DNT Yamoussoukro – Ivorian president Allasane Outtara met his arch rival former president Lauren Gbagbo at the Presidential Palace in Yamoussoukro this evening for what the two leaders called “tête-à-tête.”
There were smiles on both sides as Outtara descended the short flight of stairs to greet Gbagbo when he alighted from his vehicle. Neither leader wore a protective masks as they waved to the cameras before quickly walking into the closed meeting.
As at press time, the two leaders were still behind closed doors, but what is undisputable is that there remains a significant amount of tension between them.
When Allasane Outtara was first elected president, then incumbent Lauren Gbagbo refused to cede power until France intervened. Outarra returned the favor by heaping a list of accusations on Gbagbo that sent him to the international criminal court.
Gbagbo was eventually acquitted of all charges and was allowed to return to Cote d’Ivoire earlier this year. His return was marred by controversy as Outarra wanted a quiet return for Gbagbo as opposed to a jubilant return that Gbagbo’s supporters envisaged.
While he was in the country, Gbagbo asked, and Outarra refused him permission to visit his friends who are still serving prison terms.
Thus this evening’s meeting, while expectedly tense, could produce some welcomed good news and concessions between both men.
More to report from DNT News with correspondence reports from Julius Ouya
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.