Simone Gbagbo, the controversial former first lady of Ivory Coast, has emerged from a period of political obscurity to announce her candidacy for president in the upcoming elections. Once seen merely as the spouse of Laurent Gbagbo, she gained notoriety for her resilience and political acumen, earning the moniker 'the iron lady.'
At 76, Gbagbo is contesting the election not just to reclaim her place in the political sphere but to advocate for a vision of a 'modernized' Ivory Coast. After years spent confronting challenges, both personal and political, including a conviction that has since been overshadowed by an amnesty, Gbagbo is facilitating a narrative for herself as a leader ready to take on the country’s future.
Her political past is as riveting as her present: during her husband’s presidency from 2000 to 2011, Gbagbo was a fierce advocate for his policies and a figure of both admiration and intimidation within their party, the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI). Their partnership flourished amidst a backdrop of political strife, with both facing imprisonment for their opposition to the then-ruling party, but it was Simone who often took the fierce rhetoric to public platforms, invoking her Christian faith and dedication to social justice.
However, following Laurent’s electoral defeat in 2010 and the subsequent civil unrest and his refusal to cede power, the couple attracted international scrutiny. Their ensuing capture saw them entrenched in a political scandal that would define their legacies. Now, with Laurent Gbagbo’s acquittal and return to the country, Simone must navigate her political ambitions amid the shadow of their past.
Forming a new movement, the Movement of Capable Generations (MGC), Simone Gbagbo aims to resonate with the populace longing for change, particularly in a nation where women remain woefully underrepresented in politics. With only 30% of parliamentarians being women, Gbagbo's candidacy is seen as not only a challenge to the existing political hierarchy but also an opportunity for women's empowerment in the socio-political landscape of Ivory Coast.
As the election nears, Gbagbo’s fervent promises and her political history will play into her ability to galvanize support. Should she succeed, she will not only make history as Ivory Coast's first female president but also reshape the dynamics of leadership within a nation marked by decades of political turbulence.
