Lagos, Nigeria – Simone Ehivet Gbagbo, born on June 20, 1949, in Moossou, Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire, is a prominent and polarising figure in Ivorian politics. Known for her unyielding spirit and determination, her life has been marked by activism, resilience, and controversy, reflecting the tumultuous history of her country.
Simone Gbagbo grew up in a modest family. Her father, Jean Ehivet, served as a police officer, while her mother, Marie Djaha, was a homemaker. She displayed academic brilliance from an early age, ultimately pursuing higher education at the University of Abidjan, where she earned a degree in History and a doctorate in Oral Literature. Her academic background laid the foundation for her involvement in social movements and political activism.
During the 1970s, Simone became a staunch advocate for labour rights, emerging as a key figure in Côte d’Ivoire’s underground opposition to the one-party state. Influenced by Marxist ideology, she joined student protests and labour strikes, championing democratic reforms. Her activism resulted in several arrests, which only solidified her reputation as a fearless critic of the regime.
Her political career began in earnest in 1982 when she joined forces with Laurent Gbagbo, then an outspoken academic and activist. Together, they co-founded the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), a clandestine opposition movement advocating for multiparty democracy. This collaboration would shape the political landscape of Côte d’Ivoire for decades to come.
Simone’s influence expanded in 1996 when she was elected as a Member of Parliament for Abobo, a district in Abidjan.
Her legislative tenure was marked by bold initiatives and a combative style that earned her admiration from supporters and criticism from opponents. During this time, she survived a life-threatening car accident, a moment she later described as a spiritual turning point that led to her conversion to evangelical Christianity.
In 1989, she married Laurent Gbagbo, cementing a personal and political partnership that would dominate Ivorian politics. When Laurent assumed the presidency in 2000, Simone stepped into the role of First Lady, but her position was far from ceremonial.
Often referred to as “The Iron Lady,” she was a significant force in the administration, shaping policy and commanding substantial influence.
Simone’s tenure as First Lady was overshadowed by the political and civil unrest following Côte d’Ivoire’s disputed 2010 election. The crisis escalated into a civil war, leaving over 3,000 people dead. Laurent Gbagbo’s refusal to concede defeat to Alassane Ouattara led to their eventual capture by international forces in 2011.
In 2015, Simone was sentenced to 20 years in prison by an Ivorian court on charges of undermining state security. Her conviction was a flashpoint for national and international debate, with her supporters arguing that the trial was politically motivated. She was granted amnesty by President Ouattara in 2018, a move that many saw as an attempt to promote national reconciliation.
Following her release, Simone re-emerged as a formidable political figure. In 2021, the International Criminal Court withdrew a warrant for her arrest, citing insufficient evidence. That same year, her personal and political relationship with Laurent Gbagbo came to an end when the couple announced their divorce, marking the dissolution of one of Côte d’Ivoire’s most iconic partnerships.
Simone then founded the Mouvement des Générations Capables (MGC), a political party aimed at redefining her vision for the country. The MGC seeks to address economic disparities, promote national unity, and empower marginalised communities.
In October 2024, she declared her candidacy for the 2025 presidential election, positioning herself as a leader committed to overcoming Côte d’Ivoire’s challenges and building a more inclusive future.
Simone Gbagbo’s candidacy is a historic moment, as it places her in direct competition with her ex-husband, Laurent Gbagbo, who is also running for president. This unique dynamic underscores the evolving complexity of Côte d’Ivoire’s political landscape, where personal and political histories intertwine.
Supporters celebrate Simone as a trailblazer for women in politics and a champion of Ivorian sovereignty. Critics, however, point to her alleged involvement in past conflicts and question her ability to unite a deeply divided nation.
Regardless of the outcome of the 2025 election, Simone Gbagbo’s legacy as one of Côte d’Ivoire’s most influential figures is firmly established. Her life story reflects the resilience, ambition, and challenges of a nation still grappling with its identity and future.
