In an exclusive interview granted to VoxAfrica, Simone Gbagbo, former First Lady of Côte d’Ivoire and now candidate for the 2025 presidential election, looks back on her political career, her disagreements with Laurent Gbagbo, and especially on France’s place in the African affairs. With incisive words and precise examples, she paints a critical picture of the historical relations between France and Africa, which she describes as obstacles to the sovereignty of the continent.
Simone Gbagbo begins by discussing the complex relationship she had with her ex-husband, former president Laurent Gbagbo. “In a political organization, there are things you agree on and things you don’t. When you don’t agree, it’s good to say so,” she explains to clarify the reasons for their estrangement.
One of the highlights of this interview concerns what she perceives as Laurent Gbagbo’s biggest mistake: having given in to pressure from the international community. “In this crisis in Côte d’Ivoire, President Gbagbo was forced by the international community to go to elections even though the situation was not suitable. He accepted Alassane Ouattara as a candidate for these elections. I must say that he was so eager to reunify the country and get out of the war that he ended up giving in,” she confides.
Asked whether Laurent Gbagbo had given in too much, she replied bluntly: “Yes, I think he gave in. But could he do otherwise? I don’t know anything about it. »
France-Africa, a heavy legacy
Simone Gbagbo’s criticism of France is particularly virulent. When asked if Laurent Gbagbo’s biggest mistake was not to believe in France, she replied bluntly: “France is not a good advisor in Africa, neither today nor yesterday. »
It describes a system in which African heads of state were subjected to unbearable pressure. “In our French-speaking African countries, even the agenda of the councils of ministers had to be submitted to France. France dictated what should be dealt with and how. Those who refused to carry out these directives were either eliminated or victims of coups,” she accuses.
– Advertisement-
Simone Gbagbo goes further by denouncing the contradictory practices of certain African leaders, including Laurent Gbagbo, in their relationship with France. “For example, giving money to Jacques Chirac. This shocked the Ivorians. This money belongs to the Ivorian people, and in a country where so many people lack everything, giving such sums to a foreign leader seems incomprehensible,” she concedes.
-An Ivorian reconciliation still distant
On the national level, Simone Gbagbo remains skeptical about reconciliation in Ivory Coast. “Côte d’Ivoire is very far from being reconciled. […] During the Ivorian crisis, we experienced deaths and destruction. People have lost everything: their property, their positions. What have we done for these people? Nothing. There remains a lot to do on the reconciliation site,” she explains seriously.
She also criticizes the Ministry of Reconciliation, established under the presidency of Alassane Ouattara: “It was of no use, in the end. They produced documents, but they were never formalized or implemented. »
– Advertisement-
An Africa in search of sovereignty
Simone Gbagbo welcomes initiatives like the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which aims to strengthen the sovereignty of countries in the sub-region. She considers that Côte d’Ivoire must be part of this dynamic if it really wishes to escape the influence of France-Africa. “Côte d’Ivoire cannot remain indifferent to what is happening in the sub-region. She needs strong relationships with her neighbors. It is obligatory that Africa leaves France-Africa. It is imperative. »
Concerning the rise of new international alliances, she insists: “We, Africans, must not be afraid of anyone, neither France, nor the United States, nor Russia, nor China. We must have a sovereign mind and defend our own interests. Sovereignty begins with a deep conviction that it is the key to our future. »
Simone Gbagbo calls for a redefinition of African priorities, relying on the emergence of BRICS as an opportunity to redistribute the geopolitical cards. “For decades, the world was dominated by the West. The emergence of BRICS is a good thing, because it allows power to be multipolarized and gives Africans an opportunity to strengthen their capacities and their autonomy,” she concludes.
