Ivory Coast: return of Charles Blé Goudé, after ten years of absence

Charles Blé Goudé at the statement of the judgment of the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court, March 31, 2021. © ICC-CPI screenshot

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Charles Blé Goudé has returned to Côte ďIvoire.

The former Minister of Youth Laurent Gbagbo landed this Saturday, November 26 in Abidjan by a commercial flight, after ten years of absence.

The man nicknamed General de la rue for his ability to mobilize the masses, had been prosecuted at the ICC, since 2013, for charges of crimes against humanity during the violence of the post-electoral crisis of 2011, responsible for more than 3,000 dead.

Charles Blé Goudé is expected in the town of Yopougon to celebrate his return with his supporters.

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With our special correspondent in Yopougon,

The party has been in full swing since this morning, at Place CP1 in Yopougon, a place that is loaded with symbols because it is here that Charles Blé Goudé gave one of his last speeches, just before the the deadly post-electoral crisis of 2010-2011.

But today, it is a festive atmosphere that reigns.

Several hundred supporters of the former Minister of Youth are already present, dressed in loincloths and t-shirts bearing the image of their champion, whom they are impatiently awaiting.

A giant screen has been installed for the occasion, which should broadcast the arrival of Charles Blé Goudé live.

The former general of the street was to make a first declaration from the airport but finally, change of program, he will go directly here, to the CP1 place of Yopougon, to celebrate his return with his militants.

The organizers say they expect between 3,000 and 5,000 supporters to celebrate his return, a return after ten years of absence, ten years away from Côte d'Ivoire. 

►Also read: Ivory Coast: Charles Blé Goudé registers his return with a view to national reconciliation

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• Ivory Coast

• Charles Blé Goude

• Laurent Gbagbo