Ivory Coast: reunification of the FPI has lead in the wing

Pascal Affi N'Guessan with former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo, in October 2009. AFP PHOTO / ISSOUF SANOGO

Text by: RFI Follow

The Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) has been split in two for several years. On the one hand, the FPI recognized by the authorities, and directed by Pascal Affi N'Guessan. On the other, the fringe nicknamed FPI "GOR", for "Gbagbo or nothing", refuses to recognize the first. These two entities began a reunification after the visit of Pascal Affi N'Guessan to Laurent Gbgabo in Brussels in January. But four and a half months from the presidential election, the process marks a halt.

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With our correspondent in Abidjan, Pierre Pinto

The "unitary congress" which is to mark the reunification of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) will have to wait. The discussions, which started in January, are suspended by Pascal Affi N'Guessan. The reason: those opposite have created with the Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire (PDCI) of Henri Konan Bédié a platform for collaboration in preparation for the presidential election in October. And this, without informing Pascal Affi N'Guessan who does not let pass.

The orders come from Laurent Gbagbo, one retorts among the "GOR" (Gbagbo or nothing). This passing of arms took place Sunday June 7 during a session of resumption of the dialogue interrupted since March 12 due to coronavirus. But on reading the press release from the FPI-Affi N'Guessan, we see that other snakes were swallowed by the latter before June 7.

Anti-Ouattara Alliance

On April 30, when discussions had not resumed, Pascal Affi N'Guessan had learned in the press that a first declaration of cooperation had been signed between the PDCI and the pro-Gbagbo FPI. The tone of the press release suggests that the few meetings between the two fringes of the FPI have not succeeded in reducing the climate of mistrust which has persisted between them for more than six years.

Last year, Pascal Affi N'Guessan had indicated that he would be a presidential candidate if Laurent Gbagbo could not be one. But since then, the PDCI has approached the FPI-Gbagbo. The two former heads of state met last year, drawing the contours of an anti-Ouattara alliance.

Even if Laurent Gbagbo is not a candidate, many observers strongly doubt that he supports an Affi candidacy. While waiting to clarify its strategy, the FPI "Gbagbo" calls on its activists and sympathizers to register massively on the electoral lists that they have boycotted since 2011.

► Read also: Côte d'Ivoire: towards the reunification of the FPI?

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  • Ivory Coast
  • Laurent Gbagbo
  • Ivory Coast Politics

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