Former Ivory Coast First Lady Simone Gbagbo has made headlines with her announcement to run for president, transitioning from a decade of political obscurity to a potential frontrunner in the upcoming elections.
At 76, she is poised to rally her supporters under the motto of building a new nation, after being controversially allowed to contest the elections scheduled for October.
Having previously served as the power behind her husband Laurent Gbagbo’s presidency, Simone's political journey has seen her through trials, imprisonment, and a tumultuous marriage that ended in divorce. Now, she steps into the spotlight as a candidate with her newly formed party, the Movement of Capable Generations.
Known as the iron lady, Gbagbo's rich history in activism began with her co-founding of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) alongside her husband in 1982. Throughout their careers, the pair faced multiple prison sentences for their opposition to the longstanding regime in Ivory Coast, with Simone reflecting on her past struggles and resilience.
Her previous tenure as first lady saw her commanding respect and fear within political circles, often using her powerful oratory skills to mobilize support for her husband.
Despite her controversial past, including a 20-year sentence for undermining state security, her amnesty from President Alassane Ouattara allows her to run for president. Gbagbo’s current campaign emphasizes modernization and prosperity in a nation where women are severely underrepresented in leadership roles.
Her candidacy not only represents a significant political challenge to Ouattara but also symbolizes potential breakthroughs for women in Ivorian politics. If elected, Simone Gbagbo could make history as the first female president of Ivory Coast, marking a pivotal moment in her decades-long political career.
