Noose Tightens Around Ivory Coast's Gbagbo; Gbagbo Seeks Exit Strategy

Laurent Gbagbo lost elections in November to Alassane Dramane Ouattara, but chose to remain in power. That has led to an ongoing uprising, and now the UN and France are assisting Ouattara's supporters in regime change.



They're helping to force Gbagbo from power, and now that Gbagbo's forces have been pushed from key locations around the country, and have lost the presidential palace compound, Gbagbo is now looking at a negotiated exit strategy.

Speaking on France Info radio, Ali Coulibaly did not provide any details about the alleged negotiations. The ambassador represents Alassane Ouattara, who is regarded by the international community as the country's democratically elected president.

Coulibaly's comments come a day after attacks by United Nations and French forces on Gbagbo's presidential palace, military bases and other targets in the country's main city Abidjan.

Ouattara's forces claimed they had taken the residence. However, this was denied by a Gbagbo adviser.

Pro-Ouattara supporters had succeeded in taking much of the country last week, but they faltered upon reaching Abidjan, Ivory Coast's largest city.

With the help of international forces, the armed group pushed its way into the city.

The loss of life and damage to the economy is considerable. All of this could have been avoided had Gbagbo simply heeded the results of the election. Instead of facing justice, expect Gbagbo to be given the golden ticket to exile.