1 April 2011
Abidjan was the scene of intense battles Friday, as troops loyal to Laurent Gbagbo try to stop Côte d’Ivoire’s main city falling to the soldiers of Alassane Ouattara, recognised by most of the world as the victor in last year’s presidential election.
There were reports that Gbagbo, who refuses to hand over power, had left his residence to return to the presidential palace in the city centre, as a spokesperson insisted that he would not step down.
A check point on the “the corridor south” the main road between rebel held Bouake and the main government controlled city, Abidjan.
There was fierce fighting in the exclusive Cocody district in the north of the city around the l palace and RTI, the state television station.
At least 150 French citizens and 350 other foreigners fleeing the violence and looting had taken refuge in a military camp set up by French forces.
A Swedish United Nations employee killed Thursday night was thought to have been hit by a stray bullet.
Meanwhile a spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said that he was alarmed by reports that pro-Ouattara forces were committing serious human rights violations.
Rupert Colville said there had been accusations of arbitrary arrests and ill-treatment of civilians and called on troops to show restraint.
Independent probes are already underway to investigate allegations concerning forces loyal to Gbagbo.
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Cote d’Ivoire: Fierce Fighting in Abidjan