France will not intervene in Côte d'Ivoire, says Juppé

French Defence Minister Alain Juppé said on Wednesday that if violence breaks out in Côte d'Ivoire between supporters of Alassane Ouattara and Laurent Gbagbo, France will not intervene.

Reuters/Charles Platiau

France "of course, has no intention to intervene militarily" if supporters of the two men who claim the presidency of the country start fighting, Juppé said on France Inter radio.

There are some 900 French troops with a peacekeeping mandate in Côte d'Ivoire. They would aid French citizens to escape in case of an emergency.

Ouattara was recognised as the winner of the 28 November election in Côte d'Ivoire, but Gbagbo, the incumbent, has maintained that he is still president and he retains control of the government infrastructure.