Simone Gbagbo, a controversial figure in Ivory Coast politics, is making a comeback by announcing her candidacy for president in October’s elections despite previously being in hiding and evading arrest. Campaigning under the promise to “modernise” the country, Gbagbo, 76, defies her criminal conviction and divorce to emerge as a predominant presidential candidate in her own right. The former first lady of Ivory Coast, known for her toughness and regarded as the power behind her ex-husband Laurent’s presidency, now seeks to rally her supporters to help “build a new nation.”
Career Overview
Enduring a tumultuous political journey, Gbagbo, who served as the nation’s first lady from 2000 to 2011, was designated “the iron lady” for her formidable reputation. Central to Laurent’s political activism since they met in 1973 during their engagement with Ivory Coast’s trade union movements, Gbagbo combined her degrees in history and linguistics with frontline activism against former President Félix Houphouët-Boigny, advocating for multi-party democracy.
Political Influence and Controversy
Together, the Gbagbos contended against the longstanding autocratic rule of Houphouët-Boigny. Yet, after Laurent’s presidency, characterized by controversial policies like promoting Ivoirité, fostering a divided nation, and resisting democratic processes, their reputation became tainted. Known for delivering impassioned speeches and vehemently defending her husband’s disputed election victory in 2010, which sparked a civil war, Gbagbo’s stances have been marked by intense political and personal controversies.
Legal Battles and Political Resurgence
Her political ambition has faced significant legal hurdles, including a 20-year sentence for attempting to undermine the state’s security, although President Alassane Ouattara granted her an amnesty to foster national reconciliation. The International Criminal Court (ICC) also investigated charges against her and her husband, though these were eventually dropped. Now, with her husband Laurent exonerated and returned to Ivory Coast, and having established her own party, the Movement of Capable Generations (MGC), Gbagbo is poised to significantly challenge President Ouattara in the upcoming elections. Her candidacy represents more than a political ambition; it symbolizes the quest for increased representation of women in leadership roles within a country where females hold only 30% of parliamentary seats.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62n6k6v7yxo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
