Former Ivorian President, Laurent Gbagbo has been granted passports by the country, months after his acquittal by the International Criminal Court for committing war crimes.
Gbagbo, who has been on exile in Belgium was given his passports as part of current President, Alassane Ouatara’s conciliatory strategies.
Ouattara’s third term Presidential quest and victory caused an uproar with Gbagbo seeking to come home and contest but wasn’t granted a passport.
Gbagbo also championed the call for the boycotting of the elections which was rejected by several other candidates in the country.
The former President led Ivory Coast for 11 years between 2000 and 2011 and was removed from office following months of riot over his refusal to leave. His successor Ouattara granted him diplomatic and regular passports as part of his plans to bring his oppositions closer.
Read: Gbagbo Freed In Belgium After ICC Approval
Gbagbo’s candidate, Habiba Toure made the confirmation of the gesture of the Ivorian government on Friday.
Toure described the move as a means of appeasement.
Recall that French President, Emmanuel Macron had advised Ouattara to rally his political opposition, so they can work together.
Gbagbo, 75, was tried at the International Criminal Court, The Hague over the killing of thousands of people during the 2011 riots. He was acquitted in 2019 but Prosecution has filed an appeal against the judgement.