Gbagbo, Ouattara Forces Clash in Ivory Coast
VOA News
13 December 2010
Witnesses in Ivory Coast say troops loyal to leader Laurent Gbagbo have deployed near a hotel housing his rival for the presidency, Alassane Ouattara.
Officials allied with Mr. Ouattara say shots were fired Monday when the troops were confronted by former rebels protecting Mr. Ouattara, who is inside Abidjan's Golf Hotel.
There were no reports of injuries, and the officials say it was not clear who fired the shots. The Gbagbo troops are reported to have blocked a road leading to the hotel.
Mr. Gbagbo and Mr. Ouattara both claimed victory in the recent presidential election and have set up rival governments. Most international bodies say Mr. Ouattara won the election and are pressuring Mr. Gbagbo to step down.
In Brussels Monday, European Union foreign ministers agreed to impose financial and travel sanctions on Mr. Gbagbo and his close allies unless the longtime Ivorian president leaves office.
Mr. Ouattara has been holed up in the Golf Hotel for more than a week, trying to build support for his government and take control of state institutions. Mr. Gbagbo retains control of the presidential palace, state television and the army.
The power struggle has led to fears of renewed conflict in Ivory Coast, although officials on both sides have said they want to avoid war.
The presidential election was meant to restore stability to Ivory Coast, eight years after a civil war left it divided into rebel- and government-controlled territories.
Mr. Gbagbo has ruled the West African country since 2000. His term officially ended in 2005, but he remained in office as elections were repeatedly postponed.
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