Ivory Coast: "constructive" reunion for the Bédié-Gbagbo-Ouattara trio

Henri Konan Bédié (left) and Laurent Gbagbo (right) surround Alassane Ouattara during a press statement after their reunion on July 14, 2022. AFP - ISSOUF SANOGO

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President Alassane Ouattara received this Thursday, July 14 his two predecessors Laurent Gbagbo and Henri Konan Bédié.

The unbeatable tenors of the Ivorian political scene met for the first time in twelve years.

This meeting takes place within the framework of the political dialogue, at a moment of calm.

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With our correspondent in Abidjan,

At the end of their meeting, Alassane Ouattara, Laurent Gbagbo and Henri Konan Bédié contented themselves with a very succinct declaration that Laurent Gbagbo, the youngest of the trio, allowed himself to read.

He mentioned a " 

" exchange, " 

", which would allow "

 " in Côte d'Ivoire.

Their reunion had been expected since the return of Laurent Gbagbo to Côte d'Ivoire a little over a year ago.

They are part of the recommendations of the political dialogue which ended last March.

This meeting is symbolic, that is to say putting the ball on the ground and discussing for peace and reconciliation.

In recent weeks, there have been signs of easing.

First, the parties of Gbagbo and Bédié supported the election of Adama Bictogo, a fig from the presidential camp, as president of the National Assembly.

Then, Charles Blé Goudé, Laurent Gbagbo's former minister still in The Hague, finally received his passport a month ago after a year of waiting.

We suspect that discussions are taking place concerning the next regional and municipal elections next year to have a peaceful climate.

We can also assume that they discussed the demands of Laurent Gbagbo and Henri Konan Bédié on the release of political prisoners, the reform of the Independent Electoral Commission and the electoral map.

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• Ivory Coast

• Alassane Ouattara

• Laurent Gbagbo

• Henri Konan Bedie