Guillaume Soro calls on Côte d’Ivoire Army To Mutiny Against President Ouattara
Credit: africa-me.com / Former rebel leader Guillaume, who was blocked from running in the Ivory Coast presidential polls, is in political exile in Europe.
By Gary Raynaldo and Sara Abraham DIPLOMATIC TIMES
ABIDJAN – Côte d’Ivoire – Exiled former Ivory Coast Prime Minister Guillaume Soro called on defence and security forces in the West African nation to block President Alassane Ouattara’s third term. Ouattara won re-election as President of Ivory Coast after a controversial election. The Ivorian constitution limits presidents to two terms. The main opposition candidates boycotted the election and called on supporters to stay at home as an act of civil disobedience. Tensions are running high in Ivory Coast after security forces surrounded and blocked access to the homes of several opposition leaders this week. More than 40 people died in clashes in the runup to the presidential election this weekend. Soro, who has been a thorn in the side of Ouattara since being exiled to France last year, took to Facebook Wednesday to “address the nation”.
“Alassane Ouattara is no longer the President of the Republic of Ivory Coast. To the Defense and Security Forces: you know me! … I ask you soldiers, non-commissioned officers, officers, senior officers and general officers of our army, to look at you in the mirror of your soul and your conscience and to act to stop the killings. I’m asking you to disobey illegal orders and join the national transitional council. We cannot, out of fear, allow dictatorship in Ivory Coast by Alassane Ouattara.”
-Guillaume SORO S’Adresse a la Nation – NOV. 4, 2020
Aux Forces de Défense et de Sécurité : vous me connaissez ! … je demande à vous soldats, sous-officiers, officiers, officiers supérieurs et officiers généraux de notre armée, de vous regarder dans le miroir de votre âme et de votre conscience et d’agir pour stopper les tueries. pic.twitter.com/fYQbssu9AI
— Générations & Peuples Solidaires – Officiel (@officielGPS) November 4, 2020
Opposition leader Pascal Affi N’Guessan had told reporters late on Monday that opposition parties and groups were forming a “council of national transition”.
Ivory Coast Justice Minister Sansan Kambile accused the opposition of “acts of assault and plotting against the authority of the state”.
Ivorians Seek Peace and Reconciliation After Presidential Election
Credit: Sara Abraham / ©Diplomatic Times / Nov. 4, 2020. Ivorians in commercial city Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire after President Alassane Ouattara wins bid for third term.
The mood among Ivorians is one of fatigue and a desire for peace and reconciliation now.
France is calling for political dialogue, reconciliation amid rising tensions after the elections in West African nation Ivory Coast.
“France calls on all actors to put an end to the provocation and intimidation that have persisted since the election. The rule of law must prevail. It underscores the urgent need to resume political dialogue in Côte d’Ivoire to foster reconciliation through concrete measures aimed at turning the page on violence and division.
-Statements made by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Spokesperson PARIS – Nov. 04, 2020
In a joint statement, the UN, African Union and Economic Community of West African States regional bloc called on Ivory Coast’s opposition to “respect constitutional order” and seek dialogue, while urging all sides to show “restraint to preserve human lives.”
