By Benjamin Tegbeh|LPR News, Abidjan
Mr. Assoa Adou, secretary general of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), has announced Monday, May 31, 2021 in Abidjan the return to Côte d’Ivoire of Laurent Gbagbo June 17, 2021.
The pronouncement was made at a ceremony marking the 76th birthday of the former president held in Abidjan.
“To the entire Ivorian Nation, to all Africans, to European democrats, to Americans, to all those who have supported us, his date of arrival in Côte d’Ivoire is June 17, 2021 “, said Mr. Assoa Adou.
The current head of state and political rival, Alassane Ouattara had reassured that Mr. Gbagbo, acquitted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the case of crimes against humanity perpetrated during the post-election violence of 2010-2011 could return to his country.
The final acquittal of Mr. Gbagbo and his co-accused Mr. Charles Blé Goudé was pronounced by the ICC Appeals Chamber on March 31, 2021.
The return of these two Ivorian politicians to their homeland after ten (10) unbroken years is expected to mark what Ivoirians considered as a “step towards reconciliation and peace in Cote d’Ivoire.
Former president Laurent Gbagbo and his youth minister, Mr. Charles Ble Goude were arrested and transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague for crimes against humanity after a disputed presidential election in 2010 – 2011.
Several international organizations report said that about 3000 people die during the political conflict in the neighboring country of Cote d’Ivoire.
The Ivoirian political and his former minister are believed to be the first African leaders trailed by ICC and to return home victoriously.
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