Abidjan: Former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo has announced intentions to enhance Ivory Coast’s diplomatic relations with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) if he returns to power in the 2025 elections. Gbagbo, who led Ivory Coast from 2000 to 2011, expressed his commitment to embracing cooperation with AES member states, despite international criticisms of their leadership.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Gbagbo emphasized his historical collaboration with military leaders, citing his work with figures such as Lansana Conté of the Republic of Guinea. He questioned the rationale behind welcoming some leaders while shunning others, particularly the presidents of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, who have come to power through non-traditional means.
Gbagbo criticized what he perceives as a double standard among European leaders who label AES heads of state as putschists while seemingly overlooking similar situations in Chad and Gabon. He argued that all coups should be assessed with the same criteria
, suggesting that inconsistency undermines logical discourse.
Gbagbo also addressed constitutional breaches by some leaders who extend their terms beyond legal limits, equating these actions to coups d’état. He urged both African and European leaders to adopt a consistent stance on governance and leadership transitions.