New clashes leave at least 5 people dead in Côte D'Ivoire

[News_Editor]

New clashes leave at least 5 people dead in Côte D'Ivoire

2011-01-12 01:10:03 GMT+7 (ICT)

Abidjan, Côte D'Ivoire (BNO NEWS) - At least two civilians and three police officers were killed on Tuesday in Abidjan, the largest city in Côte D'Ivoire, according to media reports.

Shots were fired amid clashes between supporters of incumbent Laurent Gbagbo and president-elect Alassane Ouattara. It was the latest violence since elections late last year, which resulted in the victory of Ouattara although Gbagbo is refusing to step down.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday, the United Nations' Security Council recognized Ouattara as President and "reiterated their call on all Ivorian parties and stakeholders to respect the will of the people and the outcome of the election" through a press statement.

The Members of the Security Council also expressed support of the dispatch of another joint high level mission as intended by the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas).

Ouattara is being protected by the UN's mission in the Golf Hotel in Abidjan, surrounded by regular and irregular forces loyal to Mr. Gbagbo.

Former President Gbagbo continues to reject the results of the 2010 presidential elections that resulted in the victory of opposition candidate and former Prime Minister Ouattara, despite the approval from the international community.

On January 1st, Gbagbo failed to comply with a deadline to transfer power peacefully, which resulted in the gathering of military commanders in order to plan a military intervention to remove the former president if needed by the 15-nation Ecowas.

Some 200 people have been killed and more than 20,000 Ivorian refugees have fled to neighboring countries, especially Liberia, since the violence began between the Army controlled by Gbagbo and Ouattara's supporters including UN peacekeepers.

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