The former Ivorian president Laurent Gbabo will return to Ivory Coast on 17 June, according to an announcement by the secretary general of the FPI (Ivorian Popular Front) on Monday. His supporters are eagerly awaiting his return.

Laurent Gbagbo's close friends, former ministers and 400 members of the FPI celebrated the 76th birthday of the former president on Monday 31 May. However, the secretary general of the party announced the news. "I announce that the return of President Laurent Gbagbo to the land of Ivory Coast is scheduled for June 17”. 

As a reminder, the former president was arrested in April 2011 in Abdijan. Then he was initially detained in the north of Ivory Coast Then he was transferred to the ICC cell. After a long legal process, he was released from crimes against humanity last March by the ICC. His return was already expected since this declaration because he did not return directly to his hometown. He has rebuilt his life in Brussels.

The Minister of National Reconciliation, Kouadio Konan Bertin, already said in early May that Gbagbo's return will be announced when the security situation is somewhat calm.

Towards the end of 2020, the authorities gave him two passports, as a national reconciliation. One is for ordinary purposes, the other for diplomacy. He had wanted to return to his country since December when he obtained his papers. But his wish will only be fulfilled in the next 15 days. 

Negotiations have been going on for a few weeks between Gbagbo's supporters and the government concerning the return of the former president while keeping peace in the country.

Santie

Photo Credit: Maliba24.net

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