In a highly anticipated statement, Sidiki Konaté, a former member of the Forces Nouvelles and close associate of Guillaume Soro, gave a detailed account in response to recent statements by Charles Blé Goudé. Blé Goudé had described an incident in which he allegedly knelt before Guillaume Soro on the instructions of Nady Bamba.

A version that Sidiki Konaté strongly disputes:

"To be honest, I don't remember seeing him kneel..." he insists.

Beyond the denial, Konaté reveals the behind-the-scenes of a decisive period in the Ivorian peace process, between negotiations, fragile alliances and power struggles.

Before the Ouagadougou Agreement: Secret exchanges with Blé Goudé

According to Sidiki Konaté, as early as 2006-2007, faced with the fragility of the peace process hampered by tensions between groups of young patriots and Forces Nouvelles, Guillaume Soro had mandated several cadres – including himself – to probe the real willingness of the presidential camp to engage in dialogue.

It was in this context that regular exchanges began with Charles Blé Goudé, then an essential figure in the patriotic movement.

Konaté asserts that Blé Goudé had fully embraced the principle of Direct Dialogue initiated by Laurent Gbagbo and that he played a crucial role in preparing public opinion. He had even presented him with a detailed strategic plan, based on a vast awareness-raising tour in the South.

Konaté adds:

"We had convinced him that constructive engagement on his part could contribute to the lifting of UN sanctions."

After Ouagadougou: Blé Goudé, a key ally in the peace process

Konaté points out that Blé Goudé publicly supported the Ouagadougou Agreement and that his influence was decisive in:

-the appointment of Guillaume Soro as Prime Minister,

-the pacification of the southern zone,

-joint tours across the country,

-the Flame of Peace,

-the return of the administration to the CNO zones,

-the establishment of the Integrated Command Centre.

An unusual moment mentioned by Konaté:

During a meeting in Yopougon Selmer, he remembers dancing with Simone Gbagbo in front of a stunned crowd.

2009: Tensions, reversal and meeting at Nady Bamba's residence

From 2009 onwards, Konaté describes a change in tone from Charles Blé Goudé, who became more critical of the Ouagadougou Agreement, under pressure from the “anti-agreements” in his entourage.

It is in this context that the famous clarification meeting took place at the residence of Hadja Nady Bamba, often cited in Ivorian political controversies.

Konaté sets the record straight:

-Yes, a meeting was held.

-Yes, Blé Goudé explained his changes of heart.

-No , he never saw Blé Goudé kneel before Soro.

-And no , he never heard an order from Nady Bamba to that effect.

He clarifies:

"May God forgive me if this happened, but I have no recollection of it despite my many attempts to remember."

According to him, at that time, relations between Gbagbo, Nady Bamba, Tagro, Djédjé, Blé Goudé and the Forces Nouvelles were harmonious, constituting what the actors then called the Peace Bloc .

A clarification… without hostility

Konaté concludes by emphasizing the absence of animosity towards Blé Goudé — whom he still calls “Zouzou”.

A way to calm the debate while recalling facts that he considers essential to the recent history of the country.

"I wish him every success, In Sha Allah," he stated.

In short: a firm denial and an unprecedented account of the inner workings of the peace process

With this public statement, Sidiki Konaté brings to light rarely told facts and delivers a detailed version of the complex relationships between Blé Goudé, Soro, Gbagbo and the key players of the years 2007–2010.

A story that could reignite debates surrounding a still sensitive period in Ivorian political memory.