Ivory Coast: Ouattara fighters 'capture Yamoussoukro'

by alaaron | March 31, 2011 at 01:14 am

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Forces loyal to Alassane Ouattara, the internationally recognized president in Ivory Coast, have taken control of the port town of San Pedro which handles the country's lucrative cocoa export. In recent days the forces have made rapid advances taking control of the administrative capital of Yamoussoukro and several other towns as they fight troops loyal to Laurent Gbagbo.

The Military advances came after the United Nations Security Council announced sanctions on Laurent Gbagbo for refusing to relinquish the presidency of Ivory Coast to the international accepted winner of last year’s election. The Security Council also urged all Ivorian parties to respect to respect the election of Mr Gbagbo's rival Alassane Ouattara as president.

Forces loyal to one of Ivory Coast's rival presidents, Alassane Ouattara, have captured the administrative capital Yamoussoukro, residents say.

Fighting erupted when they later entered the key port of San Pedro on their advance from the north against incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo.

Mr Gbagbo continues to cling to power in the main city Abidjan.

The UN, which recognises Mr Ouattara as winner of November's poll, has voted to impose sanctions on Mr Gbagbo's circle.

They add to economic measures already taken by the EU and African groups.

The UN resolution, drafted by France and Nigeria, imposes a travel ban and assets freeze on Mr Gbagbo, his wife Simone and three of his closest associates.

One million people have fled the violence - mostly from the main city Abidjan - and at least 462 people have been killed since December, according to the UN.