Gbagbo supporters open fire at UN patrol

[News_Editor]

Gbagbo supporters open fire at UN patrol

2011-01-19 10:21:59 GMT+7 (ICT)

ABIDJAN, COTE D'IVOIRE (BNO NEWS) -- The United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) on Tuesday informed that supporters of former President Laurent Gbagbo opened fire at a security patrol overnight.

The attack took place as UN security forces were waiting for the arrival of the AU Emissary, Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Odinga. The patrol was in charge of security for a top African Union (AU) emissary.

The UN peacekeepers were stationed at the Pullman Hotel, the temporary headquarters of the president-elect Alassane Ouattara. Suddenly, a group of young Gbagbo's supporters encircled Odinga and the UNOCI patrol.

"The armed elements, which were supporting them, opened fire in the direction of the UNOCI vehicles forcing the peacekeepers to respond by shooting in the air," informed UNOCI.

The attack is considered the latest attempt from Gbagbo to incite hatred against UNOCI after the UN ratified that Ouattara was the winner of the last presidential elections, despite Gbagbo's claims that indicate otherwise.

"UNOCI reiterates its appeal for calm and serenity to ensure a favorable environment to find a solution to the current post-electoral crisis," the UN mission said in response to the attack.

UNOCI currently has approximately 9,000 blue helmets to aid in to reunify the African country following the 2002 Civil War. Côte D'Ivoire was divided into a government-controlled south and a rebel-held north.

In November, a run-off poll was held in order to establish a democratically-elect government. Te UN, the AU, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and many countries recognized opposition candidate Ouattara as the winner.

However, Gbagbo directed a Constitutional Council to annul votes in various regions and was then declared victorious amidst international commendation. He has repeatedly denied ceding power and ECOWAS is considering a military intervention to ouster him.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has increased its efforts in the country as tens of thousands of people have been displaced following the violence that stemmed from the internal conflict.

UNHCR teams have deployed in the towns of Man and Danané where around 18,000 displaced Ivorian people are. The refugee agency is particularly concerned about conditions at the Catholic mission in the town of Duékoué, where some 13,000 people have sought shelter.

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