In an interview with France 24, Charles Blé Goudé, former Minister of Youth of Laurent Gbagbo, acquitted at first instance of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court (ICC), expresses his desire to return to Côte d'Ivoire Ivory Coast and to play a "leading" political role.
Charles Blé Goudé does not comment on a possible presidential candidacy in 2020, saying he has time to propose a real alternative and work towards reconciliation. But he does not hide it at all: "I have the ambition to one day lead my country with a team that will understand that we must do politics differently in Côte d'Ivoire", says he to our journalist Marc Perelman. He also calls for the return of former President Laurent Gbagbo, also acquitted by the ICC.
Charles Blé Goudé is also worried about the deterioration of the political climate in Côte d'Ivoire and fears that the violence that has marked the elections, between 2010 and 2011, is repeated. He calls on the leaders of his country to behave like statesmen rather than politicians. Finally, he denies being anti-French and is in favor of maintaining the French presence in his country on the basis of a "win-win" partnership.