What role did the Republican Forces of Ivory Coast play in the fall of Laurent Gbagbo?

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Alassane Ouattara Ivoirian Pres. Alassane Ouattara addresses the United Nations General Assembly, New York City, September 25, 2013.

The Republican Forces of Ivory Coast (FRCI) played a decisive role in ending the political standoff following the 2010 presidential election by militarily challenging the administration of Laurent Gbagbo.

By late March 2011, the FRCI had secured control over more than two-thirds of the country, including the capital of Yamoussoukro. Following this advancement, the FRCI engaged in the battle for the de facto capital of Abidjan, where Gbagbo was entrenched. After Gbagbo’s forces attacked neighborhoods supporting Alassane Ouattara and targeted Ouattara’s base of operations, the FRCI launched an assault on Gbagbo’s residence on April 11, 2011. The FRCI subsequently arrested Gbagbo, effectively removing him from power and allowing Ouattara to begin his presidency.1

Following the arrest, Ouattara emphasized the importance of accountability and justice, requesting that the International Criminal Court investigate the postelection violence and announcing plans for a truth-and-reconciliation commission to address human rights abuses committed by all parties involved.1