The Language Of Reconciliation
The last time both men met was in 2010 during a debate prior to the Ivorian Presidential election that separated both men and Laurent Gbagbo never had the chance to peacefully hand over power to Alassane Draman Ouattara. He was arrested in 2011, tried at the ICC and found, NOT GUILTY. Fast forward to 2021 after 11 years off the political scene, Koudou Laurent Gbagbo is back in the country.
This Tuesday, July 27, 2021, President Alassane Ouattara met with his long-time rival at the second Presidential lodge as both men spoke the language of reconciliation, putting on broad smiles that infected the bodyguard. These smiles could heal the wounds but the scars of a brutal arrest, humiliation, and imprisonment could take some time. Mr. Gbagbo has remained the main political centre of attraction since his return to his country. What will be his fate?
Will, there will be any political appeasement from ADO to KLG? Ivorians are yet to digest the third mandate by Ouattara whose tenures had expired as stipulated by their constitution. But the death of Prime Minister, Ahmadou Gon Coulibaly, marked a turning point as Ouattara who said he was going to stand for reelection, did the contrary.
What lesson could this serve us in Cameroon?
