Ivory Coast: UN Experts Attacked in Yamoussoukro

United Nation experts came under fire in the capital city of Yamoussoukro as they were trying to investigate reports of a violation of the arms embargo imposed on the country. UN experts were looking into reports that Belarus had provided supporters of incumbent Laurent Gbagbo with attack helicopters. The UN Sanctions Committee on Ivory Coast has not been able to positively confirm the shipment.

Meanwhile, clashes between Mr. Gbagbo's (incumbent) and Alassane. Ouattara's (president-elect) supporters have prompted the UN to warn the country is at risk of relapsing into civil war. Ivory Coast's former rebels have said they are ready to take military action against Mr. Gbagbo if fighting continues between his supports and and those of his rival, Mr. Ouattara. "Cisee Sindou, spokesman for the former rebel group New Forces, told the BBC World Service that no military operation was imminent. But the group was, he added, prepared to act because of the ongoing "suffering" of people in Ivory Coast." (BBC News)

BBC News

March 1, 2011

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12605096

-Dennie Whitlow