Ivory Coast: Ouattara fighters 'capture Yamoussoukro'

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Source: BBC

Forces loyal to UN-backed President-elect Alassane Ouattara have captured Ivory Coast's capital, residents of Yamoussoukro say.

They have continued their advance from the north despite incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo's ceasefire appeal. Mr Gbagbo refuses to stand down despite the UN saying he lost November's poll.

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

The BBC's John James in the northern city of Bouake says residents of the capital voted overwhelmingly for Mr Ouattara in the elections.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12908004

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-462 killed, one million fled since disputed election
-9,000 UN peacekeepers monitor 2003 ceasefire
-World's largest cocoa producer
-Once was haven of peace and prosperity in West Africa
-Alassane Ouattara recognised as president-elect
-International sanctions imposed to force Laurent Gbagbo to go

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1. "Ouattara forces extend gains in Cote d'Ivoire"

http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/03/201133141618292780.html

Forces loyal to Cote D'Ivoire's internationally recognised leader, Alassane Ouattara, have marched into the major cocoa port of San Pedro, continuing an offensive that has seen them seize swathes of the country to try to oust incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo.

Resisting pressure from the African Union and the West, Gbagbo has refused to step down since an election last November, which UN-certified results showed he lost to Ouattara by an eight-point margin, triggering a deadly power struggle.

Pro-Quattara forces seized the official capital Yamoussoukro on Wednesday, and they have advanced thousands of miles in the east towards the main city of Abidjan, where analysts expect the fiercest battles will be. Ouattara's prime minister Guillaume Soro told French radio Gbagbo had just "hours" to leave power peacefully.

The UN Security Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a resolution demanding an immediate end to the escalating violence in Cote d'Ivoire. The resolution urges all Ivorian parties to respect the election of Ouattara as president. It condemns Gbagbo's decision not to accept Ouattara's election and urged him "to immediately step aside". The resolution also slapped a travel ban and asset freeze on Gbagbo, his wife, and three key aides.