Born in June 1949 near Grand-Bassam, Simone Ehivet Gbagbo, the second of eighteen children from a blended family, became politically active at a young age. She engaged in student movements and later participated in efforts advocating for the Ivorianization of educational programs.
Simone's activism started at the age of 17 when, as a student at Abidjan's classical high school, she led her first strike, marking the beginning of numerous encounters with the police. As a university student majoring in modern literature (earning a doctorate in the third cycle and a linguistics license), she joined the clandestine revolutionary study group called the Lumumba cell in 1972, led by the Marxist teacher Zadi Zaourou.
During this time, she met Laurent Gbagbo, and while camaraderie developed, their romantic relationship blossomed later. The nucleus of what would become the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) formed in early 1982, including figures like Aboudramane Sangaré and Emile Boga Doudou. Laurent Gbagbo left the country clandestinely in 1982, and Simone faced challenges as a single mother raising their twin daughters.
After Laurent's return from exile in 1988, Simone played a significant role in the formation of the FPI. Despite facing persecution and arrests, they persisted in their political activities. Simone and Laurent married in a discreet ceremony in January 1989. The couple endured hardships during confrontations between the FPI and the repressive apparatus of the ruling regime.
Simone was arrested multiple times, and on February 18, 1992, during a protest, she faced brutality from security forces. Detained alongside Laurent, they spent nearly six months in prison before being judged, sentenced, and eventually pardoned by President Houphouët-Boigny. Simone's experience during this period led to her rediscovery of faith.
After the death of President Houphouët-Boigny in 1993, Henri Konan Bédié assumed power. Simone and Laurent faced challenges, including alliances and conflicts with figures like Alassane Ouattara. Simone was elected as a deputy in 1995 amid turbulent circumstances. The coup d'état in December 1999 forced Simone to take refuge during Laurent's absence.
In the years that followed, Simone embraced a charismatic Christian movement, influencing Laurent's own conversion. Despite political turmoil, including the controversial 2000 presidential election, the Gbagbos persisted. On October 26, 2000, Laurent Gbagbo was inaugurated as president, marking a new chapter in their lives, filled with both triumphs and challenges.
Simone Ehivet Gbagbo's life has been characterized by activism, resilience, and a deep connection to her faith. Her journey reflects the tumultuous political landscape of Côte d'Ivoire over several decades.