Former Ivory Coast First Lady Simone Gbagbo has staged a remarkable political comeback, transitioning from years of hiding and legal battles to announcing her candidacy for the presidency. At 76, she seeks to lead the country she once influenced while standing by her ex-husband, Laurent Gbagbo, and is positioning herself as a key player in the upcoming elections.
After enduring a history of political imprisonment and a controversial divorce, Gbagbo aims to persuade supporters to help build a new nation as she prepares for the October elections. Often considered the power behind her husband’s rule from 2000 to 2011, Gbagbo was previously dubbed the 'iron lady' for her tough political persona.
Simone Gbagbo’s background is rich in activism, with her journey beginning alongside Laurent, fighting against the autocratic regime of Félix Houphouët-Boigny. Despite a tainted reputation due to years of political strife and her husband’s presidency, she established the leftist Movement of Capable Generations and advocates for a modernized and prosperous Ivory Coast.
Despite a criminal conviction stemming from the civil war and her husband's expressed resistance to stepping down from power, Gbagbo’s candidacy is significant not only for her but also as a symbol of female representation in a nation where women have largely been sidelined in leadership roles. Only 30% of Ivorian parliamentarians are female, making Gbagbo’s potential success monumental.
As she steps into the limelight to challenge the current leadership of President Alassane Ouattara, Gbagbo is expected to harness support from her late husband's followers and position herself as a serious contender. Should she win, she would make history as Ivory Coast’s first female president, encapsulating a dynamic and challenging political career that spans over four decades.
