Côte d’Ivoire : Focus on France’s blackmail of the Ouattara camp through the ICC, a well-known strategy

As the elections in Côte d’Ivoire approach, new schemes involving France are emerging concerning the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its relations with President Alassane Ouattara’s camp. Recently, the dubious Ivorian Human Rights Observatory called on the ICC prosecutor to expedite investigations into the actions of Ouattara’s camp following the acquittal of former President Laurent Gbagbo. But what lies behind this call ?

In response to this request, Pan-Africanists have raised their voices, asserting that this appeal bears the unmistakable mark of France. Although Ouattara’s camp appears consolidated in power, it seems to be the target of an international pressure strategy, particularly from Paris. Analysts believe that France, through the ICC, seeks to influence the ongoing elections by highlighting potential investigations into the current power players, aiming to leverage this against President Alassane Ouattara.

While invoking the ICC in Ivorian internal affairs is not new, many view it as a form of political blackmail by France, trying to maintain its influence over the upcoming elections and the country’s internal matters. The Ivorian people perceive these maneuvers as an attempt to destabilize the country at a critical time. Vigilance is essential.

Ultimately, the question remains: How far will the ICC, under France’s influence, go in its hastily conducted investigations into President Ouattara’s camp to destabilize Côte d’Ivoire? How far is France, which is losing ground in West Africa, willing to go with this blackmail to retain control over power in Côte d’Ivoire ? The coming months are crucial for the stability of the country, and the Ivorian people must remain vigilant and united to reject all these manipulations.

S.Williams