(4 minutes read)
· France has recalled its ambassador in Ivory Coast Gilles Huberson. Coming a few weeks before the country’s much awaited elections, diplomatic circles are surprised about the French move to recall its envoy
· The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to give a reason to recall its envoy
· However, the French government sources indicate that it was nothing to do with disagreement between the two presidents Macron and Ouattara on certain issues
· There are reports that Huberson would be investigated for acts of sexual violence on five of his colleagues
France has recalled its ambassador in Ivory Coast Gilles Huberson. Coming a few weeks before the country’s much awaited elections, diplomatic circles are surprised about the French move to recall its envoy.
Alassane Ouattara recently announced that he is seeking a third term as the president. This has triggered massive protests. Protesters took their anger to the streets. Fifteen people died during the demonstrations. Experts feel that the announcement by the president to seek a third term may trigger further demonstrations. This had happened in 2010.
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to give a reason to recall its envoy. However, the French government sources indicate that it was nothing to do with disagreement between the two presidents Macron and Ouattara on certain issues. Recall of ambassadors always happen when two countries face diplomatic tensions. The ambassadors are also recalled as a consequence of sanctions
There are reports that Huberson would be investigated for acts of sexual violence on five of his colleagues. This has happened during his time as Ambassador in Mali between 2013 and 2016, and since he was nominated in Ivory Coast in 2017. The French ambassador to Ivory Coast is the most prestigious job within the African division of the French Foreign Ministry.
