Ivory Coast election tensions rise as Simone Gbagbo makes political return

Simone Gbagbo, Ivory Coast’s former First Lady once accused of war crimes, is running in October’s presidential election alongside ally Charles Ble Goude, who is barred from contesting. Both were acquitted by the International Criminal Court for their roles in the 2011 post-election violence that left thousands dead. Gbagbo’s supporters say the nation now needs “a mother” to unite a divided country. Opposition figures loyal to Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam have been detained, and protests banned. Analysts warn the country risks sliding into another post-election crisis. Meanwhile, 83-year-old President Alassane Ouattara seeks a fourth term after changing the constitution. Many Ivorians fear the past may again shape their future. Al Jazeera’s Nicolas Haque reports. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/ Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.io/AJEMobile #SimoneGbagbo #IvoryCoastElection #IvoryCoastPolitics #AlassaneOuattara #IvoryCoast2025 #WomenInPolitics #CoteDIvoire #IvoryCoastPresidentialElection #AlJazeeraEnglish