Clashes break out across Côte d'Ivoire

Gunfire was exchanged on Thursday night in the Ivorian capital Yamoussoukro between security forces loyal to incumbent president Laurent Gbagbo and residents in an area loyal to his rival Alassane Ouattara.

Reuters/Luc Gnago

In the past week, 15 people have died in fighting between Gbagbo and Ouattara supporters, according to the UN peacekeeping mission

There was heavy arms fire on Thursday in the streets of the economic capital Abidjan.

There was also fighting in the west of the country near the Liberian border between Defence and Security Forces, who are loyal to Gbagbo, and former rebel Forces Nouvelles soldiers.

Each side blamed the other for starting the fighting. The Forces Nouvelles told French news agency AFP that 80 FDS members had been killed.

Nigerian Foreign Minister Odein Ajumogobia told AFP on Thursday that any use of force to remove Gbagbo must be endorsed by the United Nations. He said the use of force could mean a “total blockade to enforce and give full effect to EU sanctions”.

The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has recognised Ouattara as president after disputed November elections. Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is the current chair of Ecowas.

A UN Security Council vote would mean “Ecowas would then be acting under the aegis and with the support of the UN”, said Ajumogobia.