Ivory Coast shelling in Abidjan 'a war crime' - UN

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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12787015

18 March 2011 Last updated at 10:54 ET

Ivory Coast shelling in Abidjan 'a war crime' - UN

The shelling of an Abidjan market by Ivory Coast security forces which killed at

least 25 people may be a crime against humanity, the UN says.

Allies of disputed President t Gbagbo have denied UN claims they fired the

shells.

They landed in the district of Abobo, which is under the control of militias who

back his rival, Alassane Ouattara.

Mr Gbagbo refuses to step down although Mr Ouattara is widely recognised as the

winner of last year's poll.

A statement from the UN mission in Ivory Coast says that about 100 people were

killed or maimed by at least six 81mm mortar shells.

" Such an act, perpetrated against civilians, could constitute a crime against

humanity, " it says.

But Ahoua Don Mello, a spokesman for Mr Gbagbo's government, told the AFP news

agency the accusations against the security forces were part of a " conspiracy "

between the UN, Mr Ouattara's supporters and former colonial power France to

oust Mr Gbagbo.

Mr Mello later read out a statement on national TV, saying Mr Gbagbo was open to

talks as part of an African Union peace plan.

He also accused regional powerhouse Nigeria of transporting 500 mercenaries to

pro-Ouattara forces based in the northern town of Bouake.

'Strong signal'

Pro-Gbagbo forces have been accused of firing at peaceful demonstrators on

several occasions recently.

Some 370,000 people have fled recent clashes in Ivory Coast's main city, Abidjan

- many from the Abobo district and more were leaving their homes on Friday.

International sanctions have been imposed on Mr Gbagbo and scores of his allies

in a bid to force him from power.

France wants the sanctions tightened, reports the Reuters news agency.

" Given what is happening and the rising number of violent acts it is important

we send a strong signal to reinforce the sanctions regime in place, " a foreign

ministry official said.

The UN says more than 400 people have been killed since the November election.

The African Union has given Mr Gbagbo until 24 March to organise a handover of

power but he shows no signs of stepping down.

The election was supposed to reunify the country, which has been divided since a

2002-3 conflict.

Pro-Ouattara forces control the north of the country and many fear that a civil

war could resume.

The New Forces rebels have mainly stayed on their side of the ceasefire line but

they have seized some ground in the west.

Fighting here has led some 75,000 to flee into neighbouring Liberia.

Ivory Coast used to enjoy the highest living standards in West Africa and the

world's biggest cocoa producer was seen as a haven of stability in the troubled

region.