'Final Assault' Launched on Gbagbo Bunker

They intend to 'fetch' him and 'bring him to justice'
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 6, 2011 6:58 AM CDT
Ivory Coast: 'Final Assault' Launched On Gbagbo Bunker
New Forces soldiers loyal to Alassane Ouattara drive at a checkpoint at one of the principal entrances to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Tuesday, April 5, 2011.   (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Forces loyal to Alassane Ouattara launched what the local media is describing as a "final assault" on Laurent Gbagbo's bunker today, aiming to capture the rogue president. "We are going to his residence to fetch him and put an end to this comedy," a spokesman for Ouattara's side tells the Telegraph. "This charade must end because the country is collapsing." Gbagbo's side has described the assault as an "assassination attempt," but Ouattara forces say they've been explicitly ordered not to kill Gbagbo.

Ouattara's spokesman said they'd launched the attack because Gbagbo "was still refusing to sign a document recognizing Ouattara's [presidential election] victory and Ouattara concluded that he was not being honest." Gbagbo representatives have also reported that French forces are taking part in the assault, though French officials deny that, the New York Times reports. But France's foreign minister did call Gbagbo's refusal to give up power "absurd," adding, "Everybody's dropped him." (More Ivory Coast stories.)

Get breaking news in your inbox.
What you need to know, as soon as we know it.
Sign up
Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X