USA Africa Dialogue Series - UN & French Forces Trying To Smoke Gbagbo Out Like A "Grohn Pig"

UN, French fire on Ivory Coast Gbagbo bunker

Associated Press  Posted: Mon Apr 11 2011, 01:43 hrs Abidjan:United Nations and French helicopters fired rockets on the residence of Ivory Coast strongman Laurent Gbagbo, holed up in a bunker, residents said Sunday.

Two residents from nearby neighbourhoods reported seeing two Mi-24 attack helicopters and one French helicopter open fire on the residence. One resident reported seeing smoke rise from the compound. The residents couldn't be named for fear of reprisal.

Gbagbo's adviser in France Toussaint Alain confirmed the attack. Gbagbo has been living in a bunker in his residence in Abidjan for nearly a week. After a decade in power, he still refuses to step aside even though the United Nations has ruled that he lost the November presidential election to Alassane Ouattara.

Gbagbo's forces broke out of presidential compound and advanced into position near the Golf Hotel. The UN said the Golf Hotel in Abidjan where Ouattara is based came under attack late Saturday and one peacekeeper was seriously injured in firing.