Ivory Coast incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo has refused to step down despite rival Alasanne Ouattara gaining of international recognition as November's Presidential Election. Mr Ouattara was initially proclaimed the winner by the country's election commission - a verdict backed by the UN, which helped organise the poll. However, the country's Constitutional Council, headed by an ally of Mr. Gbagbo, later ruled that he had won, citing voting irregularities in the north. The UN has also recognized Mr. Ouattara's appointee, Youssoufou Bamba, as Ivory Coast ambassador to the UN. Mr. Ouattara has urged West African special forces to remove Mr. Gbagbo. The West African regional body Ecowas has threatened to force Mr. Gbagbo out but has said it wants to try mediation efforts first. Mr. Gbagbo still has the pubic backing of the army and control of state media. However, Ecowas does not have the sophisticated equipment and personnel needed for a special forces operation. There is an estimated 10,000 UN troops in Ivory Coast but a request has been sent to the UN Security Council for an extra 1,000 to 2,000 soldiers. November's election was intended to reunify the country, which has been divided since 2002 conflict.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12132835
Dennie Whitlow
Dennie Whitlow
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