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Ivory Coast: artists speak out
17/12/2010
Shots were fired in the streets of Abidjan yesterday and 20 people are reported dead, as supporters of rival political parties clashed following last month’s presidential elections. Amid accusations of electoral fraud, both candidates are claiming victory. The incumbent Laurent Gbagbo (president since 2000) retains control of the army and refuses to step down, although the Ivorian electoral commission, the United Nations and the international community have officially recognised Alassane Ouattara as the winner. Alpha Blondy and Tiken Jah Fakoly speak out.
Two of the most popular artists from Ivory Coast, reggae stars Alpha Blondy and Tiken Jah Fakoly, have long been outspoken on the situation in their country. Alpha Blondy stated: “The candidate I supported was Laurent Gbagbo, but that does not mean I don’t recognise that Allasane Ouattara was the winner”. He appealed for calm to avoid “a new blood bath”, referring to the civil war which ended in 2007.
Tiken Jah Fakoly spoke at a press conference in Bamako, Mali where he has lived in exile for several years. “All the candidates have been able to campaign freely in the north, south, east and west of the country. Ouattara has won. Gbagbo must step down. There must be no cheating.” He concluded by demanding that Laurent Gbagbo must “leave power”, echoing his well-known 2004 song “Quitte Le Pouvoir”, a searing critique of corruption and abuse of power.
As for the players on the coupé-décalé scene, so far they have not voiced their position. The name of the genre loosely means “cut and run” in Abidjan slang. It remains to be seen whether Laurent Gbagbo will do just that.
More on Mondomix:
Tiken Jah Fakoly – African Revolution
Francois Mauger
17/12/2010
IVORY COAST SOCIETY TIKEN JAH FAKOLY ALPHA BLONDY
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