He is free, Affi is free! The news of the release of the opposition spokesperson spread very quickly on Wednesday, December 30 afternoon. Placed under arrest warrant after his arrest last November, the former Prime Minister, Pascal Affi N’Guessan, was indeed before the investigating judge of the special judicial cell set up just a month ago by decree presidential to deal with files relating to the electoral crisis. The latter ordered the release of the officially recognized leader of the Ivorian Popular Front. In solitary confinement in a villa at the Gendarmerie School, in the Cocody district, in Abidjan, Pascal Affi N’Guessan has therefore just regained his freedom. But according to his lawyer Pierre Dagbo Gode, the opponent remains under judicial control. He is being prosecuted for around 30 counts, including “conspiracy against the authority of the State”. “He was placed under judicial supervision and released after a hearing before the investigating judge. He returned home, ”said Me Pierre Dagbo Gode.
Not the end of legal troubles
Pascal Affi N’Guessan, 67, president of a faction of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI, party of ex-president Laurent Gbagbo), was arrested on November 7, about a hundred kilometers from Abidjan, while he was fleeing the justice which had launched proceedings against him. Spokesman for a party of the opposition which did not recognize the re-election of President Alassane Ouattara for a controversial third term in the presidential election of October 31, Pascal Affi N’Guessan had participated in the proclamation of a “national council of transition ”, supposed to replace the regime.
Pascal Affi N’Guessan as well as other leaders of the opposition are being prosecuted for “conspiracy against the authority of the State”, “insurrectionary movement”, “assassination” and “acts of terrorism”, for this proclamation of a transitional regime and in the context of electoral violence linked to the presidential election, which left 85 dead and half a thousand injured from August to November. “The charges have not been lifted, the procedure continues,” said Mr.e Pierre Dagbo Dildo. The opposition demands the end of the prosecution and the release of its officials arrested as part of the dialogue initiated with the authorities, to ease the political climate in Côte d’Ivoire. In any case, the release of the head of the FPI surely offers him an opportunity to reposition himself for the upcoming legislative elections in March 2021.
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
