Laurent Gbagbo Takes A New Turn

Former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo heralds a change in political perspective by saying that becoming president again is not a big deal for him. However, he leaves the door open to a possible candidacy for the next presidential election in 2025. This statement comes during a press conference in Abidjan, where Gbagbo discusses his presidential past, his political future and regional issues.

After leading Côte d’Ivoire from 2000 to 2011, Laurent Gbagbo says the presidency is no longer his obsession. He expresses his disinterest in supreme power by emphasizing: I wanted to be president, I was (…), but it is no longer an obsession“. This statement marks a turning point in Gbagbo’s political trajectory, raising questions about his future role in the country.

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Opening in the future

Despite his apparent lack of interest in the presidency, Laurent Gbagbo suggests that he could consider a candidacy for the next presidential election in 2025. He declares: “If my comrades believe that there is no one better than me for the come, then we’ll set off to work”. This enigmatic statement hints at the possibility of a political return without the obsession with power.

However, Laurent Gbagbo still faces legal and political challenges. Removed from the electoral lists, he is deprived of the right to vote in the local elections of September 2. Although acquitted of crimes against humanity by international justice, he remains under sentence of 20 years in prison in Côte d’Ivoire for his alleged involvement in the “robbery” of the Central Bank of the States of West Africa in 2011.

Contestation and future hopes

Gbagbo denounces this condemnation as an “injustice” and affirms that he is neither “a thief” nor “a robber”. He intends to fight against this decision after the September elections. In addition to national issues, Gbagbo also comments on the situation in Niger. While President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown in a coup, Gbagbo opposes a military intervention by the Economic Community of West African States to restore constitutional order.

→ READ ALSO: Coups d’état in Africa: opportunities for rebuilding the state?

→ READ ALSO: Niger: ECOWAS refutes the 3-year transition

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