Residents tense in Ivory Coast as unrest continues

(CNN) — The streets were quiet in Abidjan Thursday morning, the commercial hub of the Ivory Coast, with many fearful of a bloody showdown there.

“Everybody is scared. People want this fighting to stop,” said one resident, who did want to have his name used because of security reasons. “We are checking the news and everybody is expecting a big fight here in Abidjan. People are really afraid.”

Koffi Kouakou, a citizen of Ivory Coast who now lives in South Africa, said his family members were stocking up on food and waiting for the battle they feel is inevitable.

“Everybody is calling it the battle of Abidjan,” said Kouakou. “There will be a battle and people will be killed unfortunately. Nobody knows when it is going to happen but it will happen soon.”

Uncertainty has reigned in the west African nation since incumbent Laurent Gbagbo disputed the outcome of presidential elections in November. Gbagbo has refused to concede and hand over power to Alassane Ouattara, who is internationally recognized as the legitimate winner.

The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously Wednesday to impose sanctions on Gbagbo, his wife and three associates, as well as give U.N. peacekeepers more authority to protect civilians.

Forces loyal to Ouattara seized control of much of Yamoussoukro, the nation’s capital, on Wednesday, according to a spokesman.

Residents of San Pedro, the nation’s second-largest port, told CNN they could hear gunfire late Wednesday night. The two residents who were interviewed said they were hunkered down in their homes and did not know the source of the shooting. However, both said they believed it was coming from Ouattara forces entering the town.

The U.N. resolution demands that Gbagbo step down immediately and that all state institutions, including the military, accept Ouattara as president. It also authorizes U.N. peacekeepers “to use all necessary means to carry out its mandate to protect civilians under imminent threat of violence.”

The resolution imposes targeted sanctions and travel bans on Gbagbo, his wife Simone, Desire Tagro, Pascal Affi N’Guessan and Alcide Djedje.

Simone Gbagbo, along with being the nation’s disputed first lady, chairs the Parliamentary Group of the Ivorian Popular Front. Tagro is secretary general in the administration of “the so-called ‘presidency’ of Mr. Gbagbo,” the resolution states. N’Guessan is chairman of the Ivorian Popular Front. Djedje is a close advisor of Gbagbo.

The resolution accuses all five of “obstruction to the peace and reconciliation process” and of rejecting the legitimate election of Ouattara. All but Laurent Gbagbo are accused of “public incitement to hatred and violence.”

Susan Rice, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, hailed the Security Council vote for sending “a strong signal” to the Gbagbo government.

“Mr. Gbagbo and his supporters can continue to cling to power, which will only lead to more innocent civilians being wounded and killed, and more diplomatic and economic isolation,” Rice said. “Or Mr. Gbagbo and his followers can finally reject violence and respect the will of the Ivoirian people.”

“If this path is chosen,” Rice stated, “Ivoirians can reclaim their country and rebuild a vibrant economy that was once the admiration of all of Africa.”

CNN’s Christabelle Fombu contributed to this report