ABIDJAN (Reuters) – Ivory Coast rebels have seized a third town in the west of the African country, forces loyal to incumbent leader Laurent Gbabgo said yesterday, while at least six died in violence around the main city Abidjan.
A standoff between Gbagbo and rival Alassane Ouattara after a disputed presidential election has sparked gun battles and encouraged northern New Forces (FN) rebels backing Ouattara to push south in the heaviest fighting since a 2002-2003 civil war.
Gbagbo’s refusal to step down despite UN-certified results showing him the loser has led to sanctions aimed at squeezing the cocoa trade
