General

Ivory Coast in “civil war”

200 killed and more than 1,000 injured since Gbagbo refused to step down

In the month since the Ivory Coast’s incumbent leader, Laurent Gbagbo, refused to give up his position as head of state after losing a run-off election, the country has deteriorated into a state of civil war, its prime minister has said. Prime Minister Guillaume Soro told reporters, “This is what’s at stake: Either we assist in the installation of democracy in Ivory Coast or we stand by indifferent and allow democracy to be assassinated.” Gbagbo’s refusal to step aside has caused a surge of violence and gunfire that has cost 200 lives and injured more than 1000 people, according to Soro’s numbers. The UN has confirmed a death toll of at least 173. Human rights groups have accused Mr. Gbagbo’s security forces of abducting and killing political opponents, the Globe reports, though he denies the allegations and points the finger at protester violence instead. The country’s electoral commission and the UN have both declared Alassane Ouattara the winner of the Nov. 28th presidential election.

The Globe and Mail

Looking for more?

Get the Best of Maclean's sent straight to your inbox. Sign up for news, commentary and analysis.
  • By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
FILED UNDER: