Ex-Ivorian prez Gbagbo files to divorce wife Simone

Former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo has officially filed to divorce his wife Simone Ehivet Gbagbo according to a communique from his personal lawyer.

The June 21, 2021 communication said Gbagbo wanted to amicably end his relationship with Simone.

The press release was issued from the firm of one Maître Claude Mentenon and according to local media portals had been authenticated by Maïtre Habiba Touré, his personal lawyer.

Gbagbo returned to the country five days ago from Brussels where he was residing after the International Criminal Court, ICC, acquitted him of war crimes.

Full name, Simone Ehivet Gbagbo, the former First Lady is a 72-year-old Ivorian politician.

She was leader of the Parliamentary Group of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) and acted as a Vice-President of the FPI.

She served in the role of First Lady between 2000 to 2011 till she was arrested in post-election crisis that rocked the country leading to her trial and conviction, she was pardoned by president Ouattara two years ago.

According to some Ivorians on social media, Gbagbo has been married (customary and Muslim religious) to one Nadiana “Nady” Bamba since 2001. She has been in charge of his communication since.

With polygamy prohibited in the country, it is believed that his divorce application is to enable him enter a civil marriage with the latter.