Charles Ble Goude is the leader of the Young Patriots, a self-styled political movement in Cote d'Ivoire.

He has organised protests and demonstrations in support of President Gbabgbo and in protest against the rebellion in the north of the country.

His organisation, which has become an armed militia, is infamous for violence and looting, but is seen as protected by the government. The Patriots say they are not violent and Ble Goude has compared himself to Martin Luther King.

He majored in English at Abidjan University before going on to Manchester University to study politics and communications.

President Gbabgbo's confidante and protege, and one of the most powerful men in Cote d'Ivoire, talks about what independence has meant for his country.