Ivory Coast hopes to end a decade of rancour with Gbagbo's return

A supporter holds a poster of former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo during the preparation of his return after being acquitted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes, at his party's headquarters in Abidjan, Ivory Coast June 14, 2021. REUTERS/Luc Gnago

ABIDJAN (Reuters) - Ivory Coast is preparing for the return of former President Laurent Gbagbo on Thursday, a move that his supporters and the government hope will help ease tensions that have hung over the country since his arrest a decade ago.

Supporters have been buying party memorabilia such as scarves, pouches and garments bearing Gbagbo's image in the Yopougon district of Abidjan, considered his political stronghold, since his return was confirmed on May 31.