Laurent Gbagbo
Recent weeks have shown how the political elite keep blocking the path to reconciliation in Côte d'Ivoire. The leadership from both sides of the politico-ethnic divide appears unwilling to learn the vital lessons from a decade of civil conflict in which thousands of civilians were killed.
The message was the same to the residents: to create a new Côte d'Ivoire, the abuse must stop, and the government must ensure justice by prosecuting the people responsible, regardless of who they are or whom they support.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
WHAT'S HAPPENING
After every major diplomatic initiative resulted in a clear statement in support of Ouattara, Gbagbo certainly knew he could never rule. What was he trying to accomplish?
The crisis engulfing the Ivory Coast is a lesson in how even the trappings of democracy can fail to keep a fragile nation from breaking apart. It wasn't supposed to be this way.
Former President Laurent Gbagbo has lost political power and now seeks the power of martyrdom. Now that he is dug into the presidential residence refusing to leave, what next?