Former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo Speaks Out at Renaissance Festival
At the 4th edition of the Renaissance Festival held in Songon M’Brathé, Laurent Gbagbo used the platform of his party, the African People’s Party – Ivory Coast (PPA‑CI), to denounce the continued imprisonment of political activists. Speaking to a crowd of supporters, the 80‑year‑old former head of state stressed that the democratic ideals he helped champion must include the freedom to express dissent without fear of incarceration.
Context of the Rally
The festival, organized annually by PPA‑CI, coincided with the party’s internal re‑election of Gbagbo as its president. In his address, he highlighted the plight of dozens of Ivorian citizens who were sentenced last October for participating in demonstrations that were deemed illegal by the authorities.
“We have many comrades in prison. We must not only think about them, but we must work to ensure that they are released.”
— Laurent Gbagbo, Renaissance Festival, Songon M’Brathé, 2025.
Recent Legal Developments
In October 2025, an Ivorian court handed down prison sentences to a significant number of activists who had protested the exclusion of several opposition candidates — including Gbagbo himself — from the presidential ballot. According to judicial records cited by Reuters, the convictions stemmed from charges related to “unauthorized assembly” and “public disorder.”
Gbagbo countered that such actions undermine the very democracy the country fought for during the 2000‑2011 period. He remarked:
“The democracy we fought for and continue to fight for is precisely so that everyone can express their opinion. But if as soon as someone expresses their opinion, they put them in prison, it’s no longer normal.”
Political Landscape and Party Status
The PPA‑CI’s decision to boycott the October 2025 elections left the party without any seats in the National Assembly and with only a handful of municipal mayoral positions. In contrast, long‑time rival Alassane Ouattara secured a second term as president, extending his tenure that began in 2010.
Despite the electoral setback, the party’s recent internal vote reaffirmed Gbagbo’s leadership. Political analysts note that his continued influence could shape opposition strategy moving forward, especially as he approaches his 81st birthday at the end of the month.
Historical Background
- Laurent Gbagbo served as President of Côte d’Ivoire from 2000 until his removal in 2011 following a disputed election.
- The refusal to concede defeat to Alassane Ouattara in the 2010 presidential vote triggered a crisis that escalated into a civil war, resulting in an estimated 3,000+ fatalities according to the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI).
- After his capture, Gbagbo was transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, where he was acquitted of war crimes and crimes against humanity in January 2019.
- He returned to Côte d’Ivoire in June 2021 and has since re‑engaged in domestic politics through the PPA‑CI.
Implications for Freedom of Expression
Gbagbo’s remarks at the festival echo broader concerns raised by human rights organizations regarding the use of criminal law to suppress dissent in Côte d’Ivoire. Groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented numerous cases where peaceful protesters face arrest under vaguely defined public order statutes.
Observers suggest that the former president’s renewed vocal stance could galvanize civil society groups advocating for legislative reforms that protect freedom of assembly and expression. Whether this translates into concrete policy change remains to be seen, but the rally underscores the ongoing tension between state security measures and democratic participation in the country.
Sources:
- Reuters. “Ivory Coast court sentences opposition activists over banned protests.” October 12, 2025.
- BBC News. “Laurent Gbagbo returns to Ivory Coast after ICC acquittal.” June 17, 2021.
- International Criminal Court. “The Prosecutor v. Laurent Gbagbo – Judgement.” January 15, 2019.
- United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI). “Final Report on the 2010‑2011 Crisis.” 2012.
- Amnesty International. “Côte d’Ivoire: End the use of law to silence dissent.” 2024.
