Ouattara, April 14: Ivory Coast’s president-elect Alassane Ouattara has indicated that his deposed rival will face criminal charges at national and international levels.
Ouattara says the justice minister is preparing for the possible prosecution of Laurent Gbagbo.
“There will be charges (against Gbagbo) on a national level and an international level,” he told a press conference on Wednesday at the Golf Hotel resort in Abidjan.
“Reconciliation cannot happen without justice,” he said.
He added that Gbagbo has been moved to a secure location.
On Monday, forces loyal to Ouattara, backed by French and UN troops, stormed Gbagbo’s residence in Ivory Coast’s main city of Abidjan, capturing him following a fierce battle.
Ouattara also noted that he would ask the international criminal court to investigate cases of an alleged massacre across the country.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has warned that Gbagbo supporters are at risk of deadly reprisals by troops loyal to Quattara.
While much of the international community has recognized Ouattara as the winner of the vote, Gbagbo refused to cede power. Tensions further escalated after they both claimed victory and appointed separate cabinets.
Hundreds of people have been killed since the controversial presidential election in November 2010.
——–Agencies