By Sandra Birungi

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is going to try former Côte d’Ivoire, Ivory Coast president, Laurent Gbagbo come next week, Tuesday.

He is charged with four counts of crimes against humanity: murder, [indecent assault], other inhumane acts, and persecution. It is said the crimes were committed by forces under his control during post-election violence in Côte d’Ivoire, between November 28, 2010 and mid-May 2011. He has been charged as being responsible for these crimes as an indirect co-perpetrator because he contributed to the commission or attempted commission of crimes “by a group of persons acting with a common purpose.”

Gbagbo was captured by Ivorian authorities on April 11, 2011 and remained in custody in Côte d’Ivoire until he was transferred to The Hague, the seat of the ICC, on November 29, 2011, following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the court.

After losing elections in 2011, Gbagbo refused to step down to pave way for his rival, Alassane Ouattara who had won the elections.  At least 3,000 people were killed and more than 150 women assaulted indecently during this time.