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Charles Blé Goudé has returned to Côte ďIvoire. The former Minister of Youth Laurent Gbagbo landed this Saturday, November 26 in Abidjan by a commercial flight, following ten years of absence. The man nicknamed General de la rue for his ability to mobilize the masses, had been prosecuted at the ICC, since 2014, for charges of crimes once morest humanity during the violence of the post-electoral crisis of 2011, responsible for more than 3,000 dead. Charles Blé Goudé is expected in the town of Yopougon to celebrate his return with his supporters.
With our special correspondent in Yopougon, Sidy Yansane
The party has been in full swing since this morning, at Place CP1 in Yopougon, a place that is loaded with symbols because it is here that Charles Blé Goudé gave one of his last speeches, just before the the deadly post-electoral crisis of 2010-2011. But today, it’s a festive atmosphere that reigns, reports our special correspondent in Yapougon, Sidy Yansane.
Several hundred supporters of the former Minister of Youth are already present, dressed in loincloths and t-shirts bearing the image of their champion, whom they are impatiently awaiting. A giant screen has been installed for the occasion, which should broadcast the arrival of Charles Blé Goudé live.
Arrival in Abidjan of Charles Blé Goudé
The former minister of Laurent Gbagbo landed around 12:20 p.m. local time. He was coming from Ghana, on a commercial flight. He was welcomed at the airport by a small committee, a dozen people, no more. There was his family, his relatives, but also the former First Lady, Simone Gbagbo, specifies our correspondent in Abidjan, Bineta Diagne avantto add that Charles Blé Goudé should arrive in Yopougo any moment.
This gathering, underlines his entourage, is not a meeting, but a ” fête “, a moment of reunion with the Ivorians. And it is therefore place CP1, in Yopougo that the former leader of the Young Patriots should give a speech.
The organizers say they expect between 3,000 and 5,000 supporters to celebrate his return, a return following ten years of absence, ten years away from Côte d’Ivoire.
►Also read: Ivory Coast: Charles Blé Goudé registers his return with a view to national reconciliation