Charles Ble Goude returned to Ivory Coast on Saturday for the first time in 11 years as the country’s leaders seek to reconcile political tensions following years of instability.
The return of the former youth minister comes after his acquittal on charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague in 2019. He stood accused of responsibility for murder, rape and persecution following the West African country’s disputed election in 2010.
Ble Goude says he seeks ‘peace process’
Thousands of Ble Goude’s supporters gathered in the port city of Abidjan wearing clothes printed with his image to welcome the 50-year-old’s arrival.
“I dreamed of this moment from my prison cell,” Ble Goude told supporters. “You will accompany me in this peace…
