Forces clash in Ivory Coast city

Fighting has broken out in the Ivorian city of Abidjan between forces loyal to the new president and the “Invisible Commandos”, a rival militia.

The Invisible Commandos helped Alassane Ouattara to power and gained control of parts of Abidjan during the four-month dispute after November’s poll.

A witness told the BBC he heard gunshots in the militia’s stronghold.

A militia spokesman said they were being attacked as they were about to disarm as requested by Mr Ouattara.

Mr Ouattara’s predecessor, Laurent Gbagbo, was captured two weeks ago by pro-Ouattara forces after refusing to step down when he lost the elections.

The backbone of these forces swept down through the country from their northern bases, three months into the stalemate.

In Abidjan, they were joined by Ibrahim Coulibaly, who led the Invisible Commandos to gain control of northern parts of the city in the weeks before the main offensive against Mr Gbagbo began.

However, the two groups clashed in the city last week as Mr Coulibaly said he wanted recognition for his role in overthrowing Mr Gbagbo.

The new government says an investigation into alleged crimes committed by Mr Gbagbo and his associates has begun.

Banks prepare to open

“The Republican Forces are attacking,” Felix Anoble, a spokesman for Mr Coulibaly, told AFP news agency.

“We asked our men to disarm as demanded by the head of state. They began laying down their weapons and to my surprise we are being attacked.”

The BBC’s John James in the main city of Abidjan says one resident in the northern district of Abobo reported seeing about 10 pick-up trucks heading towards an area where Mr Coulibaly has his base.

The government of Mr Ouattara also faces resistance from fighters loyal to the former president who have refused to disarm, although several generals and senior officers have pledged their allegiance to the country’s new leader.

But the new government is now urging businesses and schools to re-open.

The Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) has ordered staff at its head office in Abidjan to report to work on Wednesday so that commercial banks can begin opening up to customers soon.

The BCEAO recognised Mr Ouattara as president after disputed polls, and cut off Mr Gbagbo’s access to treasury funds. Most banks closed in February because of this and the worsening security situation.

Our correspondent says getting the main banks open again will make a big difference to getting life back to normal across the country.

On Tuesday, schools struggled to reopen – with only small numbers of pupils returning, and the resumption of classes more difficult in schools damaged in the fighting.

The former president and his wife Simone have been put under house arrest in separate towns in the north of the country.

Thousands are believed to have been killed and wounded during the recent crisis.