Once branded the “Iron Lady” of Ivory Coast, Simone Gbagbo has embarked on a bold political comeback—this time, standing on her own. At 76, the former first lady and once ICC-indicted leader is contesting Saturday’s presidential election, signaling a defining moment in her decades-long political journey.
A polarizing yet deeply respected figure, Simone Gbagbo stands as one of the few challengers permitted to run against incumbent President Alassane Ouattara, who seeks a fourth term in office. Her candidacy is both symbolic and strategic—a story of resilience, reinvention, and political awakening after years of struggle.
From the Palace to Prison—and Back to Politics
During her husband Laurent Gbagbo’s presidency, Simone held remarkable influence. “All the ministers respect me, and I am often placed above them,” she once told L’Express. But power came with peril. The civil wars between 2002–2007 and 2010–2011 left the nation scarred, culminating in the couple’s arrest in Abidjan after refusing to concede defeat to Ouattara.
Her journey from incarceration to inspiration began after a 20-year prison sentence for crimes against the state—until President Ouattara granted her amnesty in 2018. The move aimed to heal old wounds, yet it also reignited Simone’s political fire.
A New Party, A New Purpose
In 2022, she founded the Movement of Skilled Generations (MGC)—a social democratic party built on justice, equality, and economic sovereignty. Political analyst Arthur Banga believes Simone isn’t just running to win but to rebuild:
“She’s positioning herself for the future. She could emerge as the leader of the opposition after these elections.”
Her platform prioritizes national reconciliation, proposing a general amnesty for political and military prisoners and encouraging the return of exiles. She envisions an Ivory Coast free from dependency on the euro-pegged CFA franc and advocates for true monetary autonomy.
Legacy of Resistance
From her early years as a trade unionist in the 1970s to co-founding the Ivorian Popular Front with her then-husband in the 1980s, Simone’s political DNA is rooted in rebellion and reform. Her unwavering courage amid chaos has made her a symbol of both controversy and conviction.
Now, as she takes her stand again, Simone Gbagbo is not merely seeking power—she’s seeking redemption. Her campaign is less about rivalry and more about restoring dignity to a divided nation. Whether she wins or not, one truth remains: she has transformed from a figure of conflict into a voice of conscience.
Her story is not just political—it’s profoundly human. It’s about a woman who has fallen, risen, and now stands to rewrite her destiny. And in that, there’s a reflection of the Ivory Coast itself—bruised, yet unbroken.
