Audio By Carbonatix
The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Simone Gbagbo, the wife of Ivory Coast's ex-President Laurent Gbagbo.
She is wanted for alleged crimes against humanity committed in the wake of disputed presidential elections in 2010.
Her husband is already awaiting trial at the court in The Hague on four charges of crimes against humanity.
Some 3,000 people died in the unrest after he refused to accept defeat.
Mr and Mrs Gbagbo were arrested in a bunker in April 2011, five months after the elections, following a military assault on their residence in the main city, Abidjan.
Mr Gbagbo, 67, was transferred to The Hague a year ago - the first former head of state to appear at the ICC.
He has denied responsibility for the post-election violence.
Before the transfer, both he and his wife were charged in Ivory Coast with economic crimes, including looting, armed robbery, and embezzlement.
Analysts say the former first lady was a powerful politician in her own right.
Some saw her as the real hardline influence on Mr Gbagbo, preventing him from giving up power.
According to the AFP news agency, the warrant for Mrs Gbagbo on four charges was issued in February, but only made public on Thursday.
It is for "crimes against humanity of murder, rape and other forms of sexual violence, persecution and other inhumane acts", the ICC says.
The warrant accuses her of participating in the planning and orchestration of the violence.
"Simone Gbagbo was ideologically and professionally very close to her husband... Although unelected, she behaved as the alter ego of her husband, exercising power and taking state decision," Reuters news agency quotes the warrant as saying.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
CJ’s remarks on SOEs were made in good faith, not to undermine judicial independence – Judicial Service
36 minutes -
This is an attempt to break the Minority caucus – Patricia Appiagyei on alleged GH¢70k payment
1 hour -
‘OSP hasn’t contacted me’ – Patricia Appiagyei assures cooperation if invited
2 hours -
I find it strange that this memo was purportedly written by me – Patricia Appiagyei
2 hours -
Ayariga calls for stronger church partnership to tackle sanitation, environmental challenges
2 hours -
I don’t think we have an industry – Patchbay Band manager
2 hours -
Patchbay Band questions recognition of live bands in Ghana’s music industry
2 hours -
Newsfile to discuss SOEs’ GH¢19.8bn profit, dissolution of 9 boards, CJ’s visits to SOEs, GH¢70k gift rejection
3 hours -
BoG warns against spraying, defacing and using cedi notes for decorations
3 hours -
Adwumawura: Selected applicants to receive notifications from today – NEIP CEO
3 hours -
‘Fake memo’ fabricated to smear me – Patricia Appiagyei
3 hours -
ATLF2026: Culture, investment and tourism take centre stage as Africa’s tourism leaders gather in Polokwane
4 hours -
TI-Ghana and GACC demand full disclosure over alleged GH¢70,000 Appointments Committee payment
4 hours -
UN approves resolution in support of map that shows Africa’s true size
4 hours -
Spring Agro Industries urges Ghanaians to choose local rice as imports dominate market
4 hours