The day Drogba stopped the Ivorian civil war

I love the World Cup. This is the name of the book written by journalist Ignacio González Mas (39), which brings together 45 stories. Of these, 21 are profiles of all planetary quotes and 24 are stories chosen by their author. “When they ask me when I started the investigation, I say that in Italy 90, because there I fell in love with the World Cups and from there with the profession and many other situations, I came to write the book”, says the author of the text, published in Mexico and Chile and which contains the prologues of Gonzalo Jara and the Aztec legend Luis García, author of two goals in the United States 94.

Below is an excerpt from one of the stories that directs the work: Drogba and the elephants brought peace.

“While in Sudan, Drogba’s side were leading 3-1, the disappointment of four days earlier turned into sudden euphoria. The country celebrated like never before. They qualified in agony for their first World Cup. Luck gave them a wink. During the celebration in the locker room, Drogba made one of the most important decisions of his life. Côte d’Ivoire was going through a terrible civil war. From 1960 to 1993, the country was presided over by Félix Houphouët-Boigny, or Pape Houphouët. A charismatic president who has kept the nation in particular peace and stability for his region. After the chief’s death came a situation of instability which led to an armed conflict. In 1999, the military overthrew the new democratic government, civil war broke out in 2002. Violence and death tore the country and its people apart.

As the team celebrated qualification in the locker room, Drogba grabbed a microphone in front of the camera which was broadcasting the festivities live to all of Côte d’Ivoire and said: “Ivoiriens et Ivoiriennes, du nord, du south, center or west. You have already seen today that Côte d’Ivoire can live together, can work together for the same objective, qualify for the World Cup. We promised them that this party would bring people together. Today we ask you please, and we get down on our knees”. At that moment Drogba, the reference, the one who could do everything, the adored and admired idol of the country, followed by all his teammates, knelt in front of the camera. He went on to say, “Excuse me, excuse me, excuse me…please lay down your arms, have an election and everything will be fine.” It was the right time, the right message. All of Côte d’Ivoire was euphoric and happy with this dramatic and distressing ranking. Even the tightest heart could soften with this shower of feelings. People back home were moved, Ivorians wanted peace and Drogba was the cry they needed. There were celebrations across the country for the ranking and for the call to lay down arms. The politicians had to listen to Drogba and the peace process began.

In 2006, Drogba won the African Ballon d’Or, he was the first Ivorian to win this award. He took him to the capital Abidjan, to a reception in front of President Laurent Gbagbo. “I try in my own way to fight for peace in Côte d’Ivoire. On this occasion, Mr. President, I would like to ask your permission to go and hand over the Ballon d’Or to Bouaké,” Drogba asked. The town of Bouaké had been the main rebel stronghold. It was a bold proposal, the president only had to accept and thousands of Ivorians received Didi in Bouaké. A crowd followed him through the streets dancing, weeping and celebrating. Drogba was the idol of the people, but he was also peace in person, he was reconciliation in person. The moment served Didí to commit a qualifying match for the 2008 African Cup in this city.

It was played at the municipal stadium in Bouaké, the stars of Los Elefantes were there, people did not believe it. The fact that the team played a game in the city that had been the capital of the rebels was a symbol of integration. It was 5-0 for Ivory Coast against Madagascar, it was also the first massive demonstration of peace.

The press reacted with this headline: “Reconciliation was due to football. 5 goals to erase 5 years of war”.

“I grew up in a slum, but we were happy, we lived in peace… I left Côte d’Ivoire (before settling in France as a child) with a certain image. It was beautiful, charming streets, greenery and happy people. When I came back a few years later, I felt the change, it made me ask myself a lot of questions”, testified the attacker. He could not sit idly by.

Drogba was invited to be part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Côte d’Ivoire. In 2007, he was named “Goodwill Ambassador” by the UN and his Foundation made various social contributions, such as the construction of the new hospital in Abidjan.

Ivory Coast in none of the three World Cups they have qualified for have been able to pass the first round. At the last one, Brazil 2014, he was one minute away. Greece scored a goal in the second minute of added time in the third game which prevented them from progressing to the knockout stages. Drogba proudly captained the team in all three tournaments, scoring two goals. All of Côte d’Ivoire walked alongside Los Elefantes in these three World Cups. All together, all in peace”