Charles Blé Goudé implores Alassane Ouattara: « I want to return to Côte d’Ivoire

In an interview with France 24 from The Hague, Charles Blé Goudé, former Ivorian Minister of Youth under former head of state Laurent Gbagbo, after asking forgiveness from Ivorians, made it clear that he wants to return to his country, Côte d’Ivoire, imploring the Ivorian authorities, headed by President Alassane Ouattara.

After the judges of the International Criminal Court acquitted him and former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo, Charles Blé Goudé said he felt a great sense of relief at having been cleared. Laurent Gbagbo and his minister were accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the post-election violence in Côte d’Ivoire in 2010 and 2011.

« They wanted to present an image contrary to the fight we have always led, » said Charles Blé Goudé, who confided that he has « no passport yet », but said he had « confidence in the authorities of my country » to facilitate « my return » in Côte d’Ivoire. Charles Blé Goudé also explains that he has collected all the documents to obtain his Ivorian passport.

The former head of the Young Patriots returned to the promise made by the current President of Côte d’Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara, to facilitate their return to the country once the judicial chapter in The Hague is over. « This has happened since yesterday (Wednesday), » he said. Charles Blé Goudé also appealed to the Ivorian authorities to do everything possible to allow him to return to Côte d’Ivoire with Laurent Gbabgo.

In this interview with France 24, Charles Blé Goudé said: « I humbly ask forgiveness to my Ivorian brothers… to those I may have hurt or offended, » insisting that the time is ripe for reconciliation, implored the Ivorian authorities, including President Alassane Ouattara, so that he can return to his country. « I want to return to Côte d’Ivoire, » the former minister of Laurent Gbagbo implored.