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Ivory Coast Politics

David McKenzie travels to Ivory Coast to see if the country's cocoa trade is rebuilding after post-election violence.

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Political tensions rise in Ivory Coast as Gbagbo's top allies arrestedupdated: Tue Aug 28 2012 06:20:00

Three top allies of Ivory Coast's former president, Laurent Gbagbo, have been arrested in less than a week, raising political tension in the West African nation, where the nation's army has been hit by weeks of attacks.

Gunmen attack Gbagbo's party headquarters in Ivory Coastupdated: Sat Aug 18 2012 14:54:00

Gunmen attacked former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo's party headquarters Saturday, injuring several people, a party spokesman said.

War crimes court postpones Gbagbo hearing to August updated: Wed Jun 13 2012 06:24:00

The International Criminal Court postponed a key hearing in the case against Laurent Gbagbo, the former Ivory Coast president who is facing charges of crimes against humanity.

Thousands flee in wake of clashes in western Ivory Coast updated: Tue Jun 12 2012 22:01:00

Clashes along Ivory Coast's border with Liberia led thousands of people to flee their villages Tuesday, officials said. The confrontations occurred four days after seven U.N. peacekeepers and four civilians were killed in an ambush in the same area.

Thousands flee after Ivory Coast attackupdated: Sun Jun 10 2012 20:28:00

Thousands on Saturday fled the area in southwestern Ivory Coast where attacks left seven U.N. peacekeepers and eight civilians dead, according to a U.N. official.

7 peacekeepers killed in Ivory Coastupdated: Sat Jun 09 2012 13:44:00

Seven peacekeepers from Niger were killed Friday in an ambush in southwestern Ivory Coast, and more may be in danger, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said.

7 U.N. peacekeepers killed in Ivory Coastupdated: Fri Jun 08 2012 18:14:00

Seven Nigerian peacekeepers were killed Friday in an ambush in southwestern Ivory Coast, and more may be in danger, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said.

Grounds exist for trial of former Ivory Coast leader, judges ruleupdated: Mon Dec 05 2011 12:41:00

A three-judge panel of the International Criminal Court ruled Monday that reasonable grounds exist to believe former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo was responsible for crimes committed during post-election violence nearly a year ago.

Former Ivory Coast president in international court custodyupdated: Wed Nov 30 2011 12:36:00

Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo arrived Wednesday at the International Criminal Court in The Hague to stand trial for his role in his country's post-election violence that killed thousands.

Ouattara opens talks with Gbagbo supportersupdated: Thu Sep 29 2011 21:34:00

President Alassane Ouattara opened negotiations Thursday with a coalition of opposition parties to try to convince supporters of the country's former president not to boycott upcoming parliamentary elections.

Ivory Coast boosting security on Liberian borderupdated: Mon Sep 19 2011 14:05:00

The U.N. mission in Ivory Coast is helping the Ivorian government beef up security along the border with Liberia after a deadly attack last week from alleged ''Liberian mercenaries," an Ivorian official said.

Former Ivory Coast president charged in violent aftermath of electionsupdated: Fri Aug 19 2011 10:35:00

Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo has been charged with economic crimes committed as post-election violence consumed the country this year and left some 3,000 people dead, but human rights groups said Friday that more serious allegations of war crimes by both sides of the conflict should be investigated.

UN: Ivory Coast forces kill 26 in past month, arrest dozens illegallyupdated: Fri Aug 12 2011 06:57:00

Forces loyal to the Ivory Coast president killed 26 people and arrested dozens illegally in the past month, according to the United Nations.

Members of Gbagbo inner circle indictedupdated: Wed Aug 10 2011 11:33:00

Twelve members of former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo's inner circle have been indicted for crimes relating to the post-electoral crisis that left over 3,000 dead.

Ouattara: "I am pres. of all Ivorians"updated: Thu Jul 28 2011 16:11:00

Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara responds to allegations that Laurent Gbagbo supporters are still being targeted.

New Ivory Coast president committed to 'national reconciliation'updated: Thu Jul 28 2011 16:11:00

Ivory Coast's new president plans to make national harmony his top priority as he tries to pull his crisis-ridden country together after many months of political turbulence and what one just-released report calls a now-prevailing "climate of fear."

Video raises questions about treatment of Gbagbo supportersupdated: Thu Jul 07 2011 23:20:00

A video that has gone viral in Ivory Coast has raised questions about the treatment of the government of former President Laurent Gbagbo, who lost last November's election, but did not leave power until he was arrested in April.

Criminal court asks for war crimes probe in Ivory Coastupdated: Thu Jun 23 2011 13:06:00

The chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Court requested authorization Thursday to open an investigation into possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Ivory Coast during months of post-election turmoil.

Ivory Coast announces commission to investigate post-election crimesupdated: Thu Jun 16 2011 10:22:00

The Ivorian government announced the creation Thursday of a national investigation commission on the crimes perpetrated during the post-election crisis amid mounting pressure fom human rights organizations and the United Nations.

U.N. official calls for investigations in rising Ivory Coast violenceupdated: Fri Jun 10 2011 04:10:00

A U.N. human rights official is calling for "immediate, impartial" investigations over reports of attacks by armed forces of Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara against civilians in areas known to support former President Laurent Gbagbo.

Ouattara names cabinet in Ivory Coastupdated: Wed Jun 01 2011 22:13:00

President Alassane Ouattara got his cabinet Wednesday, after a six-month post-electoral crisis that claimed hundreds of lives.

Reporters group condemns killing of Ivory Coast journalistupdated: Thu May 26 2011 01:25:00

A journalist who openly supported the Ivorian Popular Front of former President Laurent Gbagbo has been killed in a suburb of Abidjan, Reporters Without Borders said Wednesday.

Inauguration marks symbolic end to Ivory Coast's political turmoilupdated: Sun May 22 2011 01:55:00

Alassane Ouattara was inaugurated Saturday as president of troubled Ivory Coast in a ceremony that marked a symbolic end to months of political turmoil.

Ouattara asks ICC to probe Ivory Coast crimesupdated: Thu May 19 2011 11:03:00

The president of the Ivory Coast is urging the International Criminal Court to investigate major crimes committed in his country after a disputed November election sparked a political standoff that left hundreds dead.

Can Africa avoid violence after disputed elections?updated: Tue May 17 2011 07:01:00

As current events in Ivory Coast highlight, elections are hardly the knock-out cure for countries dealing with deep social divisions and long histories of armed conflict. They just as often produce the sort of violent confrontation currently ensuing between the forces of deposed Ivorian leader Laurent Gbagbo and newly elected president, Alassane Ouattara. In such situations, international responses have also typically made things worse.

Election reform via Twitter in Nigeriaupdated: Tue May 17 2011 07:01:00

CNN's Christian Purefoy reports on a Twitter activist who's waging a get out the vote campaign in Nigeria.

U.N.: About 68 bodies found in more Ivory Coast mass gravesupdated: Wed May 11 2011 07:06:00

Forensic experts have unearthed about 68 bodies from another cluster of mass graves in war-torn Ivory Coast, a United Nations spokeswoman said Monday.

Mass grave discovered in Ivory Coastupdated: Wed May 11 2011 07:06:00

U.N. human rights official Guillaume Ngefa discusses a recently discovered mass grave in Ivory Coast.

Ouattara sworn in as Ivory Coast presidentupdated: Fri May 06 2011 16:23:00

Alassane Ouattara was sworn in Friday as president of Ivory Coast, ending a months-long political standoff.

Fighting erupts in Ivory Coast over last pocket of resistanceupdated: Wed May 04 2011 09:17:00

Heavy fighting continued Tuesday in Yopougon between forces loyal to President Alassane Ouattara and militiamen loyal to former President Laurent Gbagbo even as he was said to have accepted his loss of power.

3 top mediators to try to mend Ivory Coastupdated: Sun May 01 2011 21:36:00

Three of the international diplomatic community's most respected mediators arrived in the Ivory Coast Sunday to start a process of national reconciliation.

Pro-Ouattara militia leader killed by president's forcesupdated: Thu Apr 28 2011 16:03:00

Forces loyal to newly installed President Alassane Ouattara have killed a warlord who helped Ouattara win office, a defense ministry spokesman said Thursday.

Gbagbo stepdaughter: Fight not overupdated: Wed Apr 20 2011 11:08:00

Marie Antoinette Singleton tells CNN that Laurent Gbagbo stands for the truth and that the fight for Ivory Coast isn't over.

Restoring normalcy in Ivory Coastupdated: Fri Apr 15 2011 07:42:00

New video emerges of the moment Laurent Gbagbo was captured. CNN's Dan Rivers reports.

Gbagbo could face international charges, Ouattara saysupdated: Thu Apr 14 2011 07:14:00

The former leader of Ivory Coast may have to face international charges for alleged crimes committed during his time in office, President Alassane Ouattara announced Wednesday, as he outlined his plans to bring peace and security to his nation.

Ivory Coast: Call for weapons surrenderupdated: Wed Apr 13 2011 11:07:00

Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara calls on fighters loyal to Laurent Gbagbo to lay down their arms.

Ouattara versus Gbagbo: Good versus evil?updated: Wed Apr 13 2011 11:07:00

Alassane Ouattara aspired to be president of Ivory Coast for decades. Now, after four long months of post-election turmoil and the capture of his political rival, the job is indisputably his.

Gbagbo offered U.S. professorship to end crisisupdated: Tue Apr 12 2011 08:20:00

Laurent Gbagbo was offered the chance to teach at Boston University in the United States if he would renounce his claim to be president of Ivory Coast and end the country's civil war, sources familiar with the negotiations told CNN Tuesday.

Chaos in the Ivory Coastupdated: Mon Apr 11 2011 19:55:00

CNN's Dan Rivers reports live from Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on the arrest of self-declared President Laurent Gbagbo.

Ivory Coast president urges calm after Gbagbo is arrestedupdated: Mon Apr 11 2011 19:55:00

Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara called for calm Monday after forces stormed the president's residence and arrested Laurent Gbagbo, whose refusal to accept the results of a presidential election last year plunged the West African nation into civil war.

Ivory Coast's humanitarian crisisupdated: Mon Apr 11 2011 12:41:00

CNN's Becky Anderson speaks to the Red Cross about the humanitarian crisis in the Ivory Coast.

What's causing the conflict in Ivory Coast?updated: Mon Apr 11 2011 12:41:00

The west African country of Ivory Coast - also known as Cote d'Ivoire -- has been rocked by civil conflict as forces loyal to opposition leader Alassane Ouattara seek to oust incumbent president Laurent Gbagbo after a disputed presidential election last November. Most of the international community recognize Ouattara's victory and are urging Gbagbo to go.

U.N. forces pound Gbagbo loyalist camps in Ivory Coastupdated: Mon Apr 11 2011 08:42:00

U.N. military helicopters Sunday pounded heavy weapons positions of fighters loyal to self-declared Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo, United Nations officials said.

President-elect: Ivory Coast's Alassane Ouattaraupdated: Mon Apr 11 2011 08:18:00

The man recognized by the international community to be Ivory Coast's rightful president is no stranger to the frustrations of winning his country's top job.

Ivory Coast bitter battleupdated: Mon Apr 11 2011 08:18:00

The border between the Ivory Coast and Ghana is closed as two politicians battle for control. CNN's Dan Rivers reports.

U.N. chief: Africa's course could be set in Ivory Coastupdated: Thu Apr 07 2011 23:44:00

While in Washington on Thursday for talks with U.S. House and Senate leaders, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon predicted the outcome of the crisis in the Ivory Coast would set the tone for other nations in Africa.

URGENTupdated: Thu Apr 07 2011 04:57:00

The sounds of a fierce gun battle rang out early Thursday morning from the home of Laurent Gbagbo as the bloody battle to determine who would be the president of Ivory Coast continued, a Red Cross official said.

Ouattara forces enter Gbagbo's Ivory Coast strongholdupdated: Wed Apr 06 2011 23:36:00

Forces loyal to Ivory Coast's elected President Alassane Ouattara stormed the residence of his rival, Laurent Gbagbo, on Wednesday, an Ouattara spokeswoman said, potentially heralding the end of a bloody conflict in the West African country.

Reported massacre in Ivory Coastupdated: Wed Apr 06 2011 23:36:00

A Red Cross team says more than 800 have been killed in one town. CNN's Ralitsa Vassileva reports.

Gbagbo negotiating surrender, Ivory Coast foreign minister saysupdated: Wed Apr 06 2011 00:15:00

After days of heavy fighting, forces loyal to Ivory Coast's Laurent Gbagbo laid down their arms Tuesday, and the self-declared president was negotiating the terms of his surrender, his foreign minister said.

U.N. Envoy: Ivory Coast combat is overupdated: Wed Apr 06 2011 00:15:00

U.N. Special Envoy to the Ivory Coast tells CNN that combat is over and terms of Gbagbo's surrender are being finalized.

Red Cross: 800 killed in Ivory Coast townupdated: Sat Apr 02 2011 21:30:00

Sensing an imminent victory, the government recognized by the international community as the rightful ruler of blood-soaked Ivory Coast said Saturday the other side has committed atrocities, is losing its top generals to defections and is looking for "cannon fodder" for its last stand.

Hundreds killed as battle for Ivory Coast turns streets into war zonesupdated: Fri Apr 01 2011 20:52:00

Forces loyal to Alassane Ouattara took control of state-run television and attacked the residence of Laurent Gbagbo on Friday as Ivory Coast's bloody, four-month battle for political power appeared to enter its final stages .

Ouattara spokesman: Supporters attack Gbagbo home, seize state-run TVupdated: Thu Mar 31 2011 21:56:00

Forces loyal to Alassane Ouattara, the internationally recognized president of Ivory Coast, attacked the residence of disputed incumbent Laurent Gbagbo and took control of state-run TV early Friday morning, a spokesman for Ouattara told CNN.

Shades of civil war seen in Ivory Coastupdated: Thu Mar 31 2011 05:53:00

As the world's attention is focused on the conflict in Libya, another African country -- the Ivory Coast on Africa's west coast -- may be sliding toward another bloody civil war, according to observers who keep a close eye on warring factions there.

U.N. puts sanctions on disputed Ivory Coast presidentupdated: Wed Mar 30 2011 21:23:00

The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously Wednesday to impose sanctions on disputed Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo, his wife and three associates, as well as give U.N. peacekeepers more authority to protect civilians.

U.N. helicopter shot at over Ivory Coastupdated: Tue Mar 29 2011 18:05:00

A United Nations helicopter was shot at Monday while on a reconnaissance flight over the Ivory Coast, the U.N. said Tuesday.

Ouattara rejects African Union envoy in Ivory Coast political standoffupdated: Sun Mar 27 2011 08:25:00

The internationally recognized president of Ivory Coast said he rejects the latest African Union envoy selected to help resolve the nation's tense political standoff.

Obama: Gbagbo should cede power in Ivory Coastupdated: Sat Mar 26 2011 07:17:00

President Barack Obama urged the disputed leader of Ivory Coast to step down to prevent more violence as the nation grapples with postelection clashes that have left hundreds dead.

Ivory Coast's Gbagbo bans overflights from U.N., Franceupdated: Fri Mar 11 2011 06:58:00

Laurent Gbagbo has banned U.N. and French flights from flying over the country, a spokesman for the self-proclaimed president of Ivory Coast told CNN Thursday.

Video captures tank fire killingsupdated: Fri Mar 11 2011 06:58:00

Security forces in Ivory Coast have fatally shot seven women who were protesting the president's refusal to cede power.

U.S. allocates $12.6 million for Ivory Coast's displacedupdated: Thu Mar 10 2011 00:01:00

The U.S. government will provide $12.6 million in emergency funds to help people displaced as a result of Ivory Coast's political unrest and violence, President Barack Obama announced Wednesday.

U.N. 'neutral' in Ivory Coast turmoilupdated: Thu Mar 10 2011 00:01:00

The United Nations remains neutral despite political strife and murder of civilians in the Ivory Coast.

Defiant women march at site of grisly killingsupdated: Wed Mar 09 2011 13:54:00

In cities across the world, women marked the centennial International Women's Day. In Ivory Coast, the day took on poignancy for women who dared to take to blood-stained streets where seven of their own were shot down a few days before.

U.N. reaffirms neutrality in Ivory Coast standoffupdated: Wed Mar 09 2011 13:50:00

The U.N. mission in Ivory Coast reaffirmed its neutrality Tuesday despite a brewing conflict between government troops and a rebel movement that backs the internationally recognized winner of last year's election.

Ivory Coast president nationalizes coffee and cocoa industryupdated: Wed Mar 09 2011 10:54:00

Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo, who is fighting to keep a political title the United Nations says isn't his, on Monday nationalized the nation's two main cash crops, coffee and cocoa, according to state-run television.

Ivory Coast's Gbagbo calls video showing carnage 'gross manipulation'updated: Sat Mar 05 2011 10:53:00

The African Union chief flew to Ivory Coast on Saturday to make another attempt to resolve the crisis there amid a slaughter of women protesters blamed on self-proclaimed President Laurent Gbagbo.

U.N. retracts claim that Belarus sent arms to Ivory Coastupdated: Sat Mar 05 2011 04:48:00

United Nations officials apologized to Belarus this week for an incorrect report accusing it of shipping attack helicopters to the disputed president of the Ivory Coast.

U.N.: Ivory Coast civil war loomsupdated: Fri Mar 04 2011 11:46:00

The U.N. Security Council warns of the potential for civil war in Ivory Coast. CNN's Richard Roth reports.

U.N. Security Council says renewed civil war looms in Ivory Coastupdated: Fri Mar 04 2011 11:46:00

The U.N. Security Council warned Thursday that civil war could return to Ivory Coast in West Africa after months of political deadlock.

Ouattara loyalists attack Ivory Coast broadcaster as violence drags onupdated: Wed Mar 02 2011 09:15:00

The broadcast antennae for Ivory Coast's state news agency was targeted Saturday night by youths loyal to President-elect Alassane Ouattara, according to his representative to South Africa.

Tensions remain high in Ivory Coastupdated: Wed Mar 02 2011 09:15:00

Fears grow that Ivory Coast is heading toward civil war. CNN's Ralitsa Vassileva reports.

Report: Eight newspapers close after threats in Ivory Coastupdated: Wed Mar 02 2011 08:25:00

Eight newspapers halted operations in Ivory Coast to protest threats and hefty fines by officials supporting the nation's disputed president, press freedom groups said.

U.N. chief accuses Belarus of violating Ivory Coast arms embargoupdated: Mon Feb 28 2011 16:18:00

The United Nations on Monday accused Belarus of defying an arms embargo against Ivory Coast by delivering three attack helicopters to the disputed president of the West African nation.

Violence escalates in Ivory Coastupdated: Fri Feb 25 2011 22:49:00

Hundreds of people fled a pro-Alassane Ouattara neighborhood in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, where forces loyal to incumbent President Laurent Gbabgbo have been fighting an armed Ouattara supporters for the past week.

Tensions rise in Ivory Coast on eve of delegation arrivalupdated: Sun Feb 20 2011 05:32:00

Ivory Coast security forces loyal to incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo used tear gas and fired into the air to disperse supporters of Alassane Ouattara, authorities said Saturday.

A.U. to form panel of heads of state to resolve Ivory Coast crisisupdated: Sun Jan 30 2011 06:10:00

African Union officials will name five heads of state to work on a solution to the Ivory Coast election standoff and report their findings in a month, a spokeswoman said Sunday.

Cocoa crisis in Ivory Coastupdated: Thu Jan 27 2011 12:05:00

The price of cocoa approaches an all-time high after unrest in Ivory Coast. CNN's Nkepile Mabuse reports.

Groups condemn sexual violence, 'reign of terror' in Ivory Coastupdated: Thu Jan 27 2011 12:05:00

A United Nations representative has condemned sexual violence in the Ivory Coast as the White House met with leaders urging the nation's incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo to give up power.

France says ambassador can stay in Ivory Coastupdated: Sat Jan 22 2011 18:41:00

France said Saturday it would not recognize the decision by Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo to cancel the diplomatic accreditation of French Ambassador Jean-Marc Simon.

Laurent Gbagbo pressured to step downupdated: Wed Jan 19 2011 11:38:00

A meeting between Ivory Coast's self-declared president Laurent Gbagbo and African leaders ends with no declaration.

Botswana invites Ouattara for a state vistupdated: Wed Jan 19 2011 11:38:00

The president of Botswana has invited the internationally recognized president of Ivory Coast, Alassane Ouattara, for an official state visit, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Botswana announced Wednesday.

Security Council OKs more troops for Ivory Coastupdated: Wed Jan 19 2011 10:53:00

The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously Wednesday to send 2,000 additional troops to Ivory Coast, bringing the total mission there to more than 11,000 troops and police.

Deadly political violence in Ivory Coastupdated: Thu Jan 13 2011 16:03:00

More bloodshed is expected between self-declared President Laurent Gbagbo and Alassane Ouattara.

U.N. leader concerned about attacks on agency vehicles in Ivory Coastupdated: Thu Jan 13 2011 16:03:00

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is deploring a string of attacks on U.N. vehicles in the volatile Ivory Coast and warned that those carrying out the acts will be held responsible.

Strategy to remove Ivory Coast's Gbagboupdated: Wed Jan 12 2011 16:50:00

Ivory Coast President-elect Alassane Ouattara explains what strategies are in place if Laurent Gbagbo won't step aside.

Britain, Canada reject Gbagbo's authority on envoysupdated: Fri Jan 07 2011 16:39:00

Canada and Britain announced Thursday that they have rejected the authority of self-proclaimed President Laurent Gbagbo to make any decision regarding their representatives.

Ivory Coast president-elect expects military helpupdated: Fri Jan 07 2011 09:13:00

African regional authorities are prepared to remove from office self-proclaimed President Laurent Gbagbo, who election observers say lost last November's presidential runoff but has refused to step down, Ivory Coast's President-elect Alassane Ouattara said Thursday.

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