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Democracy News
Gbagbo Captured in Côte d'Ivoire Following Military Assault
April 11, 2011
By: Randi Zung | Printer Friendly
Following several months of political turmoil, on April 11, sitting Côte d'Ivoiran President Laurent Gbagbo surrendered after a week-long military assault on his residence in the city of Abidjan. Gbagbo, who is currently being guarded by United Nations security forces, had been desperately clinging to power since the results of the country’s November 2010 presidential election showed that he lost to opposition candidate Alassane Ouattara. President-elect Ouattara was subsequently recognized as the winner of the election by the United Nations, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States and several Western countries. Gbagbo and his wife are currently being held at the Golf Hotel, Ouattara’s headquarters in Abidjan.
Prior to the military assault, the New York Times reported that previous attempts to removed Gbagbo from power – including the implementation of severe economic sanctions and mediations with African diplomats and heads of state – failed. The United States (US), the United Nations (UN) and the European Union all previously called for Gbagbo to step down.
Hours after the arrest, BBC News reported that Ouattara announced during a televised address that he had ordered an investigation in Gbagbo’s actions. Ouattara additionally stated that Gbagbo’s wife and his “collaborators” would all be investigated by judicial authorities. During his speech, Ouattara also promised that Gbagbo and his family would not be harmed during their detention and urged citizens to refrain from devolving into violence. According to reports from UN peacekeepers, both pro-Gbagbo and pro-Ouattara forces have been accused of atrocities that resulted in more than 1,000 fatalities.
In a statement from the White House, US President Barack Obama said Gbagbo’s surrender “represents a victory for the democratic will of the Ivoirian people.” Obama additionally stated that the international community should continue to lend support to the people of Côte d'Ivoire as they work to “reclaim their country, solidify their democracy, and rebuild a vibrant economy” that was derailed by the nearly five month-long standoff.
Separately, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that dictators and tyrants “may not disregard the voice of their own people in free and fair elections, and there will be consequences for those who cling to power,” Voice of America reported.
For previous news on Côte d'Ivoire, please see:
Massive Uprising Escalates Ongoing Crisis in Côte d'Ivoire
Sources:
BBC News - Ivory Coast's Laurent Gbagbo arrested
Voice of America - Clinton Says Arrest of Gbagbo A 'Signal' to Dictators, Tyrants
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