By RFIPosted on 15-01-2019Modified on 15-01-2019 at 17:09

The International Criminal Court decided Tuesday, January 15, 2019 the acquittal of Laurent Gbagbo and Charles Blé Goudé. The two men were prosecuted for crimes against humanity after the 2010 and 2011 post-election violence. A strongly commented decision in Côte d'Ivoire and especially in the camp of the former president.

At his home, Assoa Adou, the secretary-general of the pro-Gbagbo Ivorian Popular Front , was greeting on Tuesday morning a large number of executives and activists who were all gathered around the television in his living room. Television broadcasting the audience. At the announcement of this release, the joy exploded. Shouts, jumps, hugs.

Scenes of joy in Gagnoa

15-01-2019 - By RFI

It does not matter, anyway, that we have to wait until Wednesday for the confirmation hearing. In any case, Assoa Adou, the general secretary of the FPI, immediately expressed himself to the few journalists present, quoting Sékou Touré: " The lie runs faster and very early, but the truth runs slowly and always ends with catch him, "he said.

" It is an immense joy that invades me, that invades my heart, that invades my mind. My tears flow for thousands and thousands of Ivorians who were massacred, who were killed, because those said that the truth was on the side of Laurent Gbagbo. But today joy takes over, because we have just taken a big step. A big step towards national reconciliation. The missing link of reconciliation in Côte d'Ivoire is coming soon and Côte d'Ivoire will be at peace. "

The joy of Simone Gbagbo

Another reaction, that of the son of Laurent Gbagbo, Michel, who was also present on Tuesday morning at Assoa Adou: " I'm happy. Extremely happy. I thank the Ivorians. And then the struggle continues and now we hope he will come home . "

So it is a party atmosphere that reigns on the side of the supporters of Laurent Gbagbo and especially in front of Simone Gbagbo , where a real party started since the announcement of the acquittal of Laurent Gbagbo. People dance, they sing, they shout. There is a lot of joy for everyone, from the simple sympathizer to the grassroots activist to the FPI executives.

The wife of Laurent Gbagbo who did not hide his joy: " You see, everyone is in joy. The president deserved to be released and the judges did justice. I never had a doubt. I've been waiting for this since the beginning, since the first day . " And Simone Gbagbo to add that she never considered any other outcome than the acquittal.

Everyone is talking about reconciliation as if in fact the last piece of the puzzle was found this morning. From now on, it is estimated that the reconciliation will be able to begin. So why would Laurent Gbagbo succeed where others have failed? " Because he suffered, " explained one of his former ministers.

Cold shower for the victims

Really, I'm disgusted.

The death of the victims

15-01-2019 - By Sidy Yansané

A joy that is not shared by everyone in Abidjan. On the side of the group of victims of violence in Côte d'Ivoire, it is rather disappointment that dominates. This group includes about 8,000 members, victims of violence since the 2000s and particularly since 2010-2011.

Obviously, it is a cascade of emotions since the announcement of the acquittal of Laurent Gbagbo and Charles Blé Goudé. From anger to disappointment, to sadness and despair. Because for these victims the hope of true reconciliation in the country has just flown away since this morning. And so this impunity, according to them, is rooted in the country and is not close to bring a true national reconciliation, as it is vaunted of all edges.

It must be said that many of these victims have never received compensation and live in great economic and social deprivation. So, to learn the acquittal of Laurent Gbagbo is a new blow for them who feel abandoned, abandoned. At the same time by the power and also by the international community. These victims refuse, despite everything, to be the big losers, again, in this history of political violence that marks Ivory Coast for almost 25 years now.

    On the same subject

    Ivory Coast: Laurent Gbagbo and Charles Blé Goudé acquitted before the ICC

    Ivory Coast: Gbagbo still weighs on the political scene

    Ivory Coast: decisive day for Laurent Gbagbo before the ICC

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