#1 Ivory Coast: Ouattara forces promise Abidjan offensive
Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 11:39 am
BBC
[quote]The prime minister of Ivory Coast's internationally recognised president, Alassane Ouattara, has said the time is right for a "rapid offensive" against the country's main city, Abidjan.
Guillaume Soro said days of clashes in the city had sown panic among troops loyal to incumbent Laurent Gbagbo.
Many residents are trapped indoors without food, water and electricity.
Earlier, the UN urged Mr Ouattara to investigate hundreds of deaths blamed partly on his supporters in Duekoue.
The UN recognised Mr Ouattara as president after a run-off vote in November, but Mr Gbagbo also claimed victory and refused to quit.
Shooting at journalists
Mr Gbagbo has received a boost as his defecting army chief of staff, Gen Philippe Mangou, has returned to the fold.
Gen Mangou met Mr Gbagbo after leaving the South African ambassador's residence on Sunday, where he had taken refuge.
Continue reading the main story
“Start Quote
I spot four pigs eating something dark in a charred courtyard. Standing by a newly dug mass grave, a UN soldier from Morocco is choking with rage and grief. I ask him if any of the dead are children. He nods and begins to sob, quietly, into his facemaskâ€
[quote]The prime minister of Ivory Coast's internationally recognised president, Alassane Ouattara, has said the time is right for a "rapid offensive" against the country's main city, Abidjan.
Guillaume Soro said days of clashes in the city had sown panic among troops loyal to incumbent Laurent Gbagbo.
Many residents are trapped indoors without food, water and electricity.
Earlier, the UN urged Mr Ouattara to investigate hundreds of deaths blamed partly on his supporters in Duekoue.
The UN recognised Mr Ouattara as president after a run-off vote in November, but Mr Gbagbo also claimed victory and refused to quit.
Shooting at journalists
Mr Gbagbo has received a boost as his defecting army chief of staff, Gen Philippe Mangou, has returned to the fold.
Gen Mangou met Mr Gbagbo after leaving the South African ambassador's residence on Sunday, where he had taken refuge.
Continue reading the main story
“Start Quote
I spot four pigs eating something dark in a charred courtyard. Standing by a newly dug mass grave, a UN soldier from Morocco is choking with rage and grief. I ask him if any of the dead are children. He nods and begins to sob, quietly, into his facemaskâ€