Reports of continued fighting in Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) have emerged despite the arrest on Monday 11 April of former President Laurent Gbagbo. According to media reports, mortars and other munitions were sporadically being fired in the capital Abidjan, but it is unclear who was behind the shooting. Unconfirmed reports suggested pro-Gbagbo forces were were responsible, but criminal gangs have also being suspected.
Gbagbo was captured from the bunker of his residence by a joint operation between forces loyal to elected President Alassane Ouattara, the French military and the UN.
The end came several months after he had refused to accept defeat and handover the running of the country to Ouattara following last year’s general election.
Gbagbo still claims he is the country’s elected president.
Meanwhile, President Ouattara has vowed to return the country to its former glory. He has appealed on the all sides to end violence, promising to restore the security of lives and property immediately.
“After more than four months of post-electoral crisis, marked by so many human lives lost, we are finally at the dawn of a new era of hope,” he said.
It is reported that forces loyal to President Ouattara believe pro-Gbabo’s forces will soon disappear following the arrest of their figurehead.
“The head of the snake has been cut off,” a member of President Ouattara’s force told the BBC. “Gbagbo’s militia will simply vanish now. The war is over.”
Another soldier said: “It’s great. We are just so happy, and so relieved. The war is finished now.”
The war may be over, but more troubles lie ahead for the country. Infrastructure worth several millions of euro were destroyed since the unrest began late last year, and economic activities were also paralysed.
Thousands were killed or injured in more than four months of conflict. The UN High Commission for Human Rights said about 536 people were killed during recent fighting in western Ivory Coast alone.
The French government has announced €400m in emergency aid to the country, which is a former French colony.
