The Editor of the Insight Newspaper and leading member of the Socialist Forum, Kwasi Pratt Jnr is convinced that the on-going military bombardment by French forces and local Ivorian rebels on Laurent Gbagbo and his loyalists, only amount to an attempt by the French to establish a strong neo-colonialist presence in the country.

Incumbent Laurent Gbagbo, whom Kwasi Pratt Jnr maintains contrary to international stance, is the legitimately elected president of Ghana’s western neighbour, has come under heavy attacks by the UN backed military presence in the country. Gbagbo, however, denies reports yesterday that he was negotiating his surrender.

Speaking on Radio Gold, an Accra based radio station, Kwasi Pratt Jnr expressed fears that the attack may be aimed at something more apocalyptic than the surrender of Gbagbo. “The attacks were aimed at killing the legitimate president of Ivory Coast,” he said. “This is an act of barbarism which must be condemned by all citizens of the world. The French have no mandate to assassinate any president anywhere in the world.”

Mr Pratt maintains that the apparent steadfastness of Laurent Gbagbo and his resolve to hold on to power stems from his respect and commitment to the wishes of the people in Ivory Coast. “Why will anybody committed to any country abuse the mandate which have been conferred on him?” Mr Pratt asked.

“Gbagbo carries the mandate of the people of Ivory Coast as has been stated by Jose Eduardo Dos Santos of Angola and has been seen by leading political figures in the US.”

Source: http://www.ghananewslink.com/?id=13306#