Laurent Gbagbo

Laurent Gbagbo, born on May thirty-first, nineteen forty-five, is a prominent Ivorian politician, writer, and university teacher. He made history as the first centre-left president of Côte d'Ivoire, serving from two thousand until his arrest in April two thousand eleven. Gbagbo's political journey began with his founding of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) in nineteen eighty-two, and he was a key figure in the country's transition to multi-party politics, running for president in nineteen ninety against Félix Houphouët-Boigny.

Gbagbo's rise to power was marked by significant political turmoil. After claiming victory in the controversial two thousand presidential election, he was installed as president following the ousting of military junta leader Robert Guéï. However, his presidency faced challenges, particularly during the two thousand ten election, where he was defeated by Alassane Ouattara. Despite international recognition of Ouattara's victory, Gbagbo refused to concede, leading to a civil conflict that resulted in approximately three thousand deaths.

In April two thousand eleven, Gbagbo was arrested by pro-Ouattara forces, with support from French troops, and subsequently extradited to The Hague. There, he faced charges of crimes against humanity related to the post-election violence, becoming the first former head of state to be taken into custody by the International Criminal Court (ICC). In January two thousand nineteen, the ICC dismissed the charges against him, citing insufficient evidence, although prosecutors appealed the decision.

Ultimately, Gbagbo's acquittal was upheld, and in April two thousand twenty-one, he was granted the freedom to return to Côte d'Ivoire, marking a significant chapter in his tumultuous political career.