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Charles Blé Goudé, the former minister of Laurent Gbagbo returned to Côte d’Ivoire this Saturday, November 26, 2022 after several years of absence. He had been tried and acquitted by the ICC nearly two years ago in connection with the post-election violence of 2010-2011. He spent the afternoon in the commune of Yopougon, for a “ fête ” popular.
Charles Blé Goude arrives in pouring rain at CP 1 square at 3:30 p.m. Dressed in a white shirt, he greets the public and takes a walkabout, reportsour correspondent in Abidjan, Bineta Diagne. There are many activists there, but also political figures, like the former first lady Simone Gbagbo: “ Wheat Goude Akwaba! Safe arrival ! We have a people to build and with your energy, I’m sure you’ll do your part. »
The leader of the FPI Pascal Affi N’Guessan welcomes a further step towards national reconciliation: “ It is important that all those who want national reconciliation be there to welcome the return of Blé Goudé, to welcome this essential link in the reconciliation that is being put in place. »
Several activists from Laurent Gbgabo’s party were also present
« I dreamed of this moment »
For nearly half an hour, Charles Blé Goudé teases the audience with anecdotes and expressions taken from his grandfather’s repertoire. On the merits, the leader of Cojep would like to thank all his supporters and the authorities who allowed him to return. He claims to be marked by the sincerity of the latter. Then the leader of the Coordination of Young Patriots (Cojep) pays tribute to the many victims of the electoral crises.
« From my prison cell, I dreamed of this moment, but I can’t tell you what difficulty I experienced. My role is not to revolt you. My role is not to revolt you because this country has been hurt. These people have been traumatized. You need a speech that reassures you. Because that’s what you expect from me, it’s not just mobilization speeches, it’s that one day, each of you can have a job. And you are going to accompany me in this peace process which our country needs. »
In the crowd, dressed in loincloths, shirts and T-shirts bearing the image of their champion, thousands of activists from Cojep, the party chaired by Blé Goudé, made the trip:
We cannot make reconciliation as long as the brothers and sisters are outside the country. It’s a feeling of pride and pleasure that we feel this evening at the CP1 place in Yopougon.
Reactions from supporters present to celebrate the return of Charles Blé Goudé
Charles Blé Goudé kept pointing to his watch in front of the delirious crowd. A way of telling him that the time for reunion had finally arrived, after a decade of separation, explains our correspondent in Abidjan, Sidy Yansane. The president of Cojep promises a political meeting “ in a few weeks to, he assures, talk about all the issues that concern Ivorians.
►Also read: In Ivory Coast, return of Charles Blé Goudé, after ten years of absence