Former Ivory Coast Political Arch-Rivals Set To Meet

President Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast is set to meet with his predecessor Laurent Gbagbo later today since their post-election conflict 10 years ago. Many have referred to this as a key moment in the turbulent politics of Ivory Coast.

Gbagbo, 76, since his return from Europe last month, has leapt into the spotlight after winning a landmark case at the ICC.

During the last months of his stormy rule from 2000-2011, Gbagbo rejected a defeat by Ouattara in a presidential ballot. A conflict between the two sides broke out after that leading to a mass loss of lives. The country lost over 3000 lives in the conflict.

He later got ousted and flew to The Hague in custody to face charges of crimes against humanity, of which, they eventually acquitted him.

Overseers will scrutinize Tuesday’s meeting to see any signs of whether the two foes have buried the hatchet. If this is the case, it will boost hopes for nationwide healing after bloody clashes last year.

On the other hand, though, Gbagbo’s spokesman, Justin Katin Kone, urged the public ‘’not to make too much’’ of the meeting.

‘’This is a courtesy visit to his elder… if it helps to ease the political atmosphere, so much the better,’’ Justin said.

The former president is apparently in a spirit of openness, dialogue, and reconciliation. Meeting President Ouattara is therefore the right move.

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