Security Forces Clash with Opposition Supporters in Northern Ivory Coast

Published December 10th, 2000 - 02:00 GMT
Al Bawaba
Al Bawaba

Fresh violence broke out late Saturday when supporters of Ivory Coast's opposition leader Alassane Ouattara clashed with security forces at Seguela, in the north of the country, local inhabitants told AFP by phone.  

The witnesses reported that teargas had been fired during the clashes, which come on the eve of the country's legislative elections. Ouattara, a former prime minister, has been banned from running in the elections by the Supreme Court.  

A local official said young supporters of Ouattara's Rally of Republicans (RDR) party were fighting lines of police near the town's police headquarters. 

Military reinforcements have been sent to the north of the country, where Ouattara's support is concentrated, to ensure Sunday's vote runs smoothly.  

The RDR announced it would maintain a boycott on the elections after the government refused to postpone the poll despite a recommendation by the country's Mediation Committee for National Reconciliation that the elections be postponed to allow the RDR to take part -- ABIDJAN (AFP) 

 

© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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