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Charles Blé Goudé returned Saturday, November 26 to Côte d’Ivoire after several years in The Hague, where he was tried and acquitted of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court concerning the post-election violence of 2010-2011. This Sunday morning, the former minister of Laurent Gbagbo attended a thanksgiving at the Saint Jacques church in Abidjan, a way for this politician to ask for forgiveness.
With our correspondent in Abidjan, Bineta Diagne
On this first Sunday of Advent, the Saint Jacques church collects donations and receives a particular faithful: Charles Blé Goude, surrounded by his family. Father Eric Norbert Abékan, parish priest, takes advantage of his homily to encourage the faithful to cultivate peace. “ Let’s put our hearts to work. Let’s break down, let’s break down the walls of hatred my brothers, my sisters. Let everyone say to themselves: it’s over. From now on I will be a peacemaker, a lovemaker “, did he declare.
Nana Denis, a widow who came to remember her husband, appreciates the action taken by Charles Blé Goudé. ” In any case, I’m happy to see him because it’s been a while since he was with us. He came to give thanks to God, to ask forgiveness “, she testifies.
Same opinion shared by another faithful, Raymond Amé: “ It is salutary, in the perspective where we seek peace and social cohesion”. And to add: “This social cohesion necessarily involves forgiveness. If we accept to welcome those who are outside and that they truly integrate the homeland, then that means that we also want this Côte d’Ivoire to be united and reconciled. ».
Read also: Back in Côte d’Ivoire, Charles Blé Goudé wants to join the peace process
Charles Blé Goudé should very soon pray at the grave of his father, who died in his absence. He plans to make a peace caravan inside the country.