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President Ouattara's Forces Strive to Oust Former Ivorian Leader

Forces of President Alassane Ouattara strived to oust former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo, Côte d'Ivoire's former president who refuses to step down despite his defeat in the runoff presidential election last year.

Forces supporting Mr. Ouattara have reportedly made significant advances as they strive to oust Laurent Gbagbo. Mr. Quattara is recognized by the UN and the rest of the international community as the country's duly elected president.

There are reports that pro-Ouattara forces may have killed many civilians in the town of Duékoué in the west of the country.
Reports suggest they have engaged in looting and extortion, as well as serious human rights violations such as abductions, arbitrary arrests and ill-treatment of civilians.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon today telephoned Alassane Ouattara, the President of Cote d''Ivoire, to discuss the rapidly developing situation, and to reaffirm the importance of the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping force in the country to protect civilians.

"The Secretary-General said those responsible should be held accountable."-Mr. Ban

Mr. Ouattara, while denying his forces were involved, said he had launched an investigation and would welcome an international inquiry into the matter.

Source: United Nations