In a press release, Laurent Gbagbo worries about "the violence which is perpetuated" in Côte d'Ivoire
Former President Laurent Gbagbo addresses his supporters after his return to Côte d'Ivoire.
On June 17, 2021, in a former campaign headquarters in Cocody-Attoban, in Abidjan.
© REUTERS - MACLINE HIEN
Text by: RFI Follow
2 min
Laurent Gbagbo gave his first official communication since his return to Côte d'Ivoire last Thursday, June 17.
In a statement, the former president said "to
worry about the violence which is perpetuated in the country
", referring to the clashes on the day of his arrival, between his supporters who came to welcome him at the airport and the forces of the 'order.
All day long, supporters were dispersed with tear gas around Abidjan airport.
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With our correspondent in Abidjan
,
Sidy Yansané
Presented as a message of thanks, the press release - attributed to Laurent Gbagbo but signed by the hand of his spokesperson Justin Katinan Koné - focuses especially on the clashes between the police and the sympathizers of his party of the Ivorian Popular Front, who came en masse to cheer him on as soon as he lands at Abidjan airport.
The former president "
particularly thanks the Ivorian youth
", adding that the latter has sometimes paid "
the heavy price illustrated by serious injuries caused by brutal violence that nothing justified
".
Laurent Gbagbo also says he is worried about the violence that is perpetuated in Côte d'Ivoire, before calling for "
restraint to finally give reconciliation a chance to prosper,
" he continues.
The former ICC detainee maintains that the police are responsible for these abuses.
A proof, according to him, that "
the road to reconciliation is still long
".
For the moment, no official source reports injuries or arrests in the ranks of party supporters present at the airport for the return of their leader.
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Ivory Coast: Laurent Gbagbo, the return
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Laurent Gbagbo
Ivory Coast