Laurent Gbagbo

ModernPoliticianIvory Coast1945 — ?

Ivorian president whose refusal to leave sparked civil war.

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Quick Facts

Born

1945

Country

Ivory Coast

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)45

Political (20%)38

Influence (20%)52

Legacy (20%)40

Leadership (15%)66

Strategy (15%)45

Total Score47.5

Laurent Gbagbo — Complete Timeline

2000 AD

Elected President of Ivory CoastPolitical Action◆ Major

Gbagbo won the presidential election as the candidate of the Ivorian Popular Front, defeating incumbent Robert Gu

ElectionIvory CoastExclusion

Impact: national

2002 AD

Survived Failed Coup AttemptWar◆ Major

A failed coup attempt by disgruntled soldiers escalated into a civil war, splitting Ivory Coast into a government-controlled south and rebel-held north. The conflict resulted in thousands of deaths and displacement.

Civil WarCoupIvory Coast

Impact: nationaldestructive

2010 AD

Refused to Step Down After 2010 ElectionPolitical Action

Gbagbo refused to concede defeat after losing the presidential election to Alassane Ouattara, despite international recognition of Ouattara's victory. This sparked a second civil war that lasted five months and caused over 3,000 deaths.

Election CrisisCivil WarIvory Coast

Impact: regionaldestructive

2011 AD

Arrested and Sent to International Criminal CourtPolitical Action◆ Major

Gbagbo was arrested by forces loyal to Ouattara with French and UN support. He was transferred to the International Criminal Court in The Hague to face charges of crimes against humanity for his role in the post-election violence.

ICCCrimes Against HumanityArrest

Impact: globaldestructive

2019 AD

Acquitted by International Criminal CourtPolitical Action◆ Major

The ICC acquitted Gbagbo of all charges of crimes against humanity, citing insufficient evidence. The acquittal was controversial, with victims' groups expressing disappointment. Gbagbo was later allowed to return to Ivory Coast.

AcquittalICCIvory Coast

Impact: global