Ivorian artists such as Gadji Celi met the Minister of Reconciliation and National Cohesion, Kouadio Konan Bertin met in the French capital to deepen the peace in their country.
The post-election crisis of 2010-2011 forced Ivorian cultural actors into exile including Gadji Celi, Serge Kassi, François Kency and Abou Galliet, who are considered close to Laurent Gbagbo.
Based in France, these artists expressed their “total support for the reconciliation process” initiated by the government of President Alassane Ouattara during a meeting with Kouadio Konan Bertin, the Minister of Reconciliation and National Cohesion.
Convinced by Bertin speech, in the presence of Mamadou Touré, Minister for the Promotion of Youth, Professional Integration and Civic Service, the political exiles opened the door to a return to Cote d’Ivoire.
The Ivorian government is willing to facilitate this for all those who wish to return.
With this in mind, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) intends to abolish refugee status for Ivorians abroad as of June 30, 2022.
Recently reappointed to his post, Kouadio Konan Bertin also spoke to the Ivorian community in France about the reconciliation process underway in the country.
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