Ivorian opponent Guillaume Soro announced in a video on Sunday November 12 that he was “ending” his exile. This Monday, November 13, his political movement Generations and Peoples Solidarity (GPS) announced in a press release that he was in Niamey, Niger, where he met the president of the transition, Abdourahamane Tchiani.
Published on: November 13, 2023 – 9:05 p.m
2 minutes
With our correspondent in Abidjan, François Hume-Ferkatadji
Guillaume Soro does not end his exile from Ivory Coast but marks his return to Africa. According to those around him, he will be living there in the coming months NigerAt Maliin Burkina and possibly in Guinea-Bissau.
According to a press release from the GPS movement he leads, Guillaume Soro arrived in Niamey on November 11th. Pictures of his meeting with the President of the Transition, General Abdourahamane Tianiin the presence of the defense and interior ministers of Niger, were published.
Today I had the honor of being received in an audience by the Nigerian Interim President, Head of State General Abdourahmane Tchiani, accompanied by Defense Minister General Salifou Mody and Interior Minister General Mohamed Toumba. The interview
Who persevered? pic.twitter.com/TaJsGCoGWm— Guillaume K. Soro (@SOROKGUILLAUME) November 13, 2023
The two men reportedly discussed sub-regional security issues and how to complete the transition smoothly.
As a reminder: Guillaume Soro was convicted twice in Ivory Coast for “endangering state security” and “concealing public funds”. He is wanted by the Ivorian justice system. The opponent maintains his innocence and says he is “guilty of no crime.”
The former prime minister is also being targeted by the French judiciary as part of an investigation into the April 2011 assassination of Ibrahima Coulibaly, which was launched after a complaint filed nine years later by that former rebel leader’s daughter. “A defamatory and political procedure,” said Guillaume Soro’s lawyer.
In Côte d’Ivoire, the former prime minister faces a life sentence because the courts believe he incited “a civil and military uprising” with the aim of overthrowing the existing power. Although the political climate in Ivory Coast has calmed down, Guillaume Soro remains the only major politician living in exile. According to a member of the Ivorian government, “he is not in exile, he is fleeing the justice of his country.” »
Also read Ivory Coast: Former Prime Minister Guillaume Soro announces “end” of his exile