Laura Brewer
SOC202
Blog #10: Ouattara spokesman: Supporters attack Gbagbo home, seize state-run TV
4/1/11
Ivory Coast’s Outtara supportive forces attack the home of incumbent Gbagbo’s home and took control of state run television. Gbabgo’s home was close to that TV station but he was not at his home. The TV take over happened less than three hours after a spokesman for Gbabgo appeared on the same TV network, declaring that Gbabgo had no intention of stepping down after a disputed election last November. This takeover of a government network seems to be the final push by Outtara’s supporters against the defiant Gbabgo. Outtara declared a curfew on the city of Abidjan as his forces moved closer to taking the city. He also declared a closing of air and sea movement. Despite the curfew, residents heard sound of heavy gunfire that incited the belief of a battle occurring. Outtara’s spokesman said it should be only hours, maybe days before Gbabgo falls because the army doesn’t want to fight for him. Residents of Abidjan are frightened of the prospect of war and can sense the heightened level of the fighting. Humanitarians warn that Abidjan is on the brink of catastrophe. Amnesty international is calling for help from the international community. Gbabgo’s army chief asked for asylum at the South African embassy, a sign that support is fully begind Outtara. Outtara said that in order to restore peace, the people will need protected from Gbabgo’s forces and that democracy will prevail as the people fight for their vote. So far, about 462 are dead and about one million are displaced. The people are calling it the Battle of Abidjan. The U.N. resolution demands that Gbabgo step down and that U.N. forces use every means available to carry out the mandate protecting civilians from violence.
This will be interesting to watch unfold, especially in the light of what’s happening in Libya. Hopefully Gbabgo does step down soon and there won’t be much more bloodshed involved. The U.N. has decided to take action if necessary and it will be interesting to see if the Ivory Coach calls for international help and how much international help will be given. So many forces are already in Libya, and some don’t even want to be. Will America have much of an incentive to respond to calls for help from the international community in the Ivory Coast?
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/03/31/ivory.coast.unrest/index.html
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