Former President Laurent Gbabo to Receive Presidential Welcome in Ivory coast

 Nearly three (3) days to go and as preparation continues to give a colorful welcoming ceremony of the former president of Cote d’Ivoire, Laurent Gbagbo after ten years of detention and trail at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague, the former Ivorian political figure is expected to return home on Thursday.

“He has decided to make the Presidential Pavilion available to welcome Laurent Gbagbo on June 17, 2021 in Abidjan” revealed by Assoa Adou, secretary general of the Ivorian Popularly Front on Monday, June 14, 2014 in Abidjan during a press conference to solemnly announce the return of Laurent Gbagbo on17th June 2021 at 3:45 p.m. GMT (11:45 AM EST) by scheduled flight.

“Tents will be erected for delegations of notability who would love to make the trip to the airport for the arrival of former president Laurent Gbagbo,” he added.

Mr. Assoa Adou also used the opportunity to thank President Alassane Ouattara for what he considers as “a gesture which falls within the right time of national reconciliation between the sons and daughters of this country”

The day after their acquittal by the International Criminal Court (ICC), President Alassane Ouattara declared that Laurent Gbagbo and Charles Blé Goudé were free to return to Côte d’Ivoire whenever they wanted.

In addition, he continued, the travel expenses of Mr. Gbagbo and his family will be borne by the State of Côte d’Ivoire and arrangements will also be made for him to benefit, in accordance with the laws in force, adding that benefits and indemnities due to the status of former President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.

Meanwhile according to the African News, people of Gbargbo hometown  of Mama, where he has huge  supporters  are preparing for the former president return to the country.

“He is our president. When he was here the village was good, we were happy. So we wish he would come back,” says Sylvie Bazil, a resident of Mama.

“He will come on 17 June,” assures Mama’s land chief Goli Obou Joseph.

“We do not sleep, we are all awake waiting for Gbagbo’s arrival!”

In last April, after Laurent Gbagbo was cleared of crimes against humanity charges by the International Criminal Court, Ivory Coast president Alassa ne Ouattara cleared the way for Gbagbo to return to Ivory Coast.

All accross the country, supporters of the former president celebrated the news.