(FILES) In this file photo taken on February 15, 2019, Guillaume Soro, then speaker of the Ivorian National Assembly, gestures during the launch of a new movement called 'Political Committee', one week after his resignation as speaker in Abidjan. - Ivory Coast prosecutor says arrest warrant issued for ex-rebel chief Soro on December 23, 2019. Earlier on December 23, Ivory Coast presidential candidate Guillaume Soro's planned return home was aborted as security forces waited at the airport and stormed his party headquarters in Abidjan. Soro landed in neighbouring Ghana after his private flight was diverted "against his will", his party said. (Photo by ISSOUF SANOGO / AFP)

Trial of Ex-rebel leader commences in Abidjan

On May 19, 2021

A trial against Guillaume Soro and 19 of his relatives, accused of “plotting against state security”, opened on Wednesday at the criminal court of Abidjan-Plateau.

Soro and some of his accused relatives are currently outside the country. They are being accused of having fomented a “plot against state security”.

The prosecution is also charging them with “participation in an armed gang without exercising any command, unauthorised possession of firearms of the first category and acts of manoeuvre likely to compromise public security.”

The accused include former president of the Ivorian National Assembly, Alain Lobognon, Affoussiata Bamba Lamine, Koné Kamaraté Souleymane, Kassi Kouamé Jean-Baptiste, Zebret Souleymane, Kamagaté Adama, Silué Neguerdjomon Emmanuel.

Also in the dock are Bamba Souleymane, Dosso Seydou, Koné Ardjouma, Traoré Lamine, Fofana Kouakou, Soro Yedjossigue Simon, Sekongo Kouleyeri Simon, Traoré Babou, Sess Soukou Mohamed, Touré Moussa, Issiaka Fofana and Soro Porlo Rogobert.

Suzan O/AFP

Ex-rebel leader Ivorian government