Former Ivory Coast international Aboulaye Traore has been handed a three-year prison sentence following a rape conviction, according to a local women’s advocacy organisation.
The ruling, delivered by a court in Bouake, marks a notable moment in efforts to address gender-based violence in the country. The Ivorian League for Women’s Rights described the judgment as “a significant advance in the fight against impunity for sexual and sexist violence.”
In addition to the custodial sentence, the court directed the former striker to pay compensation amounting to 15 million CFA francs to the victim and imposed a five-year restriction barring him from entering the central region.
A judicial source disclosed that the case stemmed from an incident in March 2021, where Traore was found guilty of engaging in non-consensual sexual activity with a 21-year-old woman.
Known by fans as “Ben Badi,” Traore rose to prominence as part of the Ivorian squad that clinched the 1992 African Cup of Nations title. He also enjoyed a successful club career, becoming a fan favourite at ASEC Mimosas and featuring for European sides such as FC Metz and S.C. Braga.