Ivory Coast: France says Gbagbo about to stand down

05/04/11 15:45 CET

world news

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Ivory Coast’s incumbent leader is on the verge of surrendering power, according to France’s Prime Minister.

Francois Fillon says two Ivory Coast generals are negotiating terms for Laurent Gbagbo’s departure which comes after fierce fighting in the country’s commercial capital.

Gbagbo is reportedly hiding with his family in the basement bunker of his Abidjan residence. He has refused to leave office even though the Ivorian election commission declared his rival, Alassane Outtara, the winner of November’s presidential run-off vote, a result certified by the United Nations.

More about: Alassane Ouattara, Armed conflicts, Ivory Coast, Laurent Gbagbo

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Mali: Rebel groups agree to creation of Islamic state

Two Rebel groups have agreed to merge and create an independent Islamic state in Northern Mali. After seizing Azawad – an area larger than France – two months ago, the groups had initially disagreed, with the secular Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA)…