Ouattara to Fighters: Disarm

Laurent Gbagbo has been arrested, but armed fighters still roamed the streets of Abidjan today, and sporadic gunfire was heard ringing through the Ivory Coast capitol, the AP reports. Newly installed president Alassane Ouattara called on those fighters to disarm in a radio and television address today, saying, “We are finally at the dawn of a new era of hope.” He called on his supporters to refrain from retaliatory violence and help heal the country.

Ouattara also quashed speculation that Gbagbo would be tried before an International Criminal Court, which observers fear could exacerbate tensions. Instead, Ouattara called for an Ivorian investigation. “Every measure has been taken to assure the physical integrity of Mr. Laurent Gbagbo, his wife, and all those arrested,” he added. “They will receive dignified treatment and their rights will be respected.” France said it wouldn’t try to arrest Gbagbo. “Let’s not complicate things,” Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said. (More Ivory Coast stories.)