Why did Alassane Ouattara ask the International Criminal Court to investigate postelection violence?

Alassane Ouattara requested that the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigate the postelection violence in Côte d’Ivoire as part of his broader efforts to foster national reconciliation following the 2010 election crisis.12

After the arrest of his predecessor, Laurent Gbagbo, in April 2011, Ouattara sought to stabilize the country and unify a population that had been deeply divided by the protracted political standoff and subsequent conflict. By inviting the ICC to investigate, he aimed to address the criminal acts and human rights abuses allegedly committed by both sides during the violence. This request was presented alongside his plans to establish a truth-and-reconciliation commission, signaling his intent to move the country toward a period of peace and justice.12