Gbagbo brought indignity to himself – Dr ibn Chambas

The Secretary-General of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) organisation, Dr  Mohammed ibn Chambas says the conduct of the former Ivorian leader Laurent Gbagbo brought indignity to himself.

Gbagbo refused to step down when he lost the 2010 presidential elections to Mr Alassane Ouatarra in that country.

According to Dr Chambas, who was the former President of sub-regional group ECOWAS, Mr Gbagbo rejected all the offers made by ECOWAS, the African Union (AU) and other countries if he decides to leave power.

Videos shown on International media suggests that the condition in which Mr Gbagbo was captured at his basement not a bunker was ‘disgraceful’ and unsuitable.

Speaking on BBC’s Focus on Africa programme on April 12, 2011, Dr Chambas said Gbagbo’s refusal to accept offers made to him led to his current state of condition which he (Gbagbo) caused.

Meanwhile, a CNN report citing a senior African diplomat said Gbagbo was offered the chance to teach at Boston University as a visiting professor in the United States if he would renounce his claim to be president of Ivory Coast and end the country’s civil war.

The report also said Gbagbo was promised that the International Criminal Court would not seek to charge him with crimes, and his rival Ouattara offered to form a cabinet with up to 30% of Gbagbo supporters but rejected the deal, and ensconced himself inside the Presidential residence while his forces and supporters battled with Ouattara’s forces and supporters.

With the support of French and UN forces, Ouattara forces reportedly captured him on Monday April 11, 2011.

Dr Chambas, however, told the BBC that he believes President Alassane Ouatarra will ensure that Mr Gbagbo and his family receive a more dignified life.

In a related development, ECOWAS has urged President Ouatarra to guarantee the safety of Mr. Gbagbo and his family, ECOWAS President Victor Gbeho told the BBC.

By Ekow Quandzie