Laurent Gbagbo's return to Ivory Coast could be done discreetly
Laurent Gbagbo welcomes his support on February 6, 2020 in The Hague.
AP - Jerry Lampen
Text by: RFI Follow
3 min
Laurent Gbagbo - whose date of return to Côte d'Ivoire is still the subject of speculation - could return more discreetly than expected, without a popular welcome on the day of his arrival at the airport.
The government wants to avoid the risk of overflow.
Publicity
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With our correspondent in Abidjan,
Pierre Pinto
Will we see crowds gathered at the airport cheering Laurent Gbagbo on the day of his return?
Probably not.
Indeed, according to our information, the Ivorian executive does not want a reception of this kind, arguing that the demonstrations of victims in recent weeks demonstrate a risk of disturbances to public order.
For several weeks, the Collective of Crisis Victims in Côte d'Ivoire has been stepping up demonstrations and speaking out.
Its president Issiaka Diaby, whom his detractors accuse of being close to the RHDP, demands that Laurent Gbagbo be arrested on his return, since under a sentence of 20 years in prison
for the so-called “breakage of the BCEAO” case. ".
The young RHDPs of Yopougon also let it be known that they wanted a “
discreet
”
return
, when the FPI mobilized on the ground to prepare a grandiose and triumphant welcome with which it intends to associate other parties such as the PDCI.
"
We must celebrate this victory with modesty
"
In addition, for several days, the press close to the capacity multiplies the articles to call Laurent Gbagbo to keep the “
modest triumph
” and to “
return without noise
”. "
We know that hearts are bleeding on both sides, which is why we must celebrate this victory with modesty
", declared the spokesperson for Laurent Gbagbo, Justin Koné Katinan, three weeks ago at the minister of Reconciliation Kouadio Konan Bertin.
The FPI GOR has nevertheless set up a welcoming committee responsible for mobilizing for the return of the former president and involving other parties such as the PDCI.
“
We have the right to receive him, and he has the right to be welcomed by those who love him.
It deserves to be welcomed with dignity and honor
”, confides an FPI GOR manager.
If discretion were ultimately to be the modus operandi chosen by the former president, it would be quite logical if the
date of his return
was not communicated in advance.
A date that is the sole decision of the person concerned who is just required to communicate it to the authorities for security reasons.
► To read also: In Côte d'Ivoire, the return of Laurent Gbagbo is long overdue
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Ivory Coast
Laurent Gbagbo