YAMOUSSOUKRO, 16 June, 2021 (TON): President of Ivory Coast Alassane Ouattara announced that his predecessor and rival Laurent Gbagbo will return to IC after his acquittal in March by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Since Ghagbo’s released by the ICC, Gbagbo is expected to arrive in Abidjan on Thursday from Belgium after 10 years.

Gbagbo was absolved of responsibility for crimes including murder, rape, and persecution following disputed elections in 2010, with judges saying prosecutors failed to prove their case.

His violent ouster in 2011 led to deep divisions in the West African country.

Political scientist Geoffroy Julien Kouao said, "The real stake of the return of Mr. Laurent GBAGBO is political. For nearly three decades, Ivory Coast has lived at the rhythm of political crises, especially electoral crises."

"Obviously, all this has caused a real social and political fracture. From the above, the issue, the real challenge for Côte d'Ivoire today, is national reconciliation and the return of Mr. Laurent GBAGBO should contribute enormously," he added.

Analysts say his return could make or break national reconciliation efforts.

However, despite being away from the political scene for over a decade, Gbagbo remains popular especially in the more developed southern part of the country.