"The increase [military] should continue. The sole purpose is to restore the election results and to establish democracy. Côte d'Ivoire is one and indivisible. Gbagbo few hours to go, otherwise it will be walking Abidjan on and it will be harder for him, "said Wednesday evening on FRANCE 24, Guillaume Soro, Prime Minister appointed by the Ivorian president recognized by the international community, Alassane Ouattara.
"We do not encounter resistance"
On the third day of their lightning advance into southern Ivory Coast, pro-Ouattara took control of the strategic port of San Pedro, the first port of export of cocoa in the world on Thursday.
Wednesday already, Yamoussoukro was also passed into the hands of supporters of Alassane Ouattara.Hometown of former President Felix Houphouet-Boigny, the Ivorian administrative capital fell easily. Just a few shots from an assault rifle were heard, according to the testimony of some of its inhabitants. Guillaume Soro said "want to avoid fighting in that city." According to several testimonies gathered by the AFP, the Republican Forces of Côte d'Ivoire (FRCI) support Alassane Ouattara and then continued their way south, leaving a small detachment in the city.
For three days, FRCI progressing smoothly towards the south, taking control of cities as symbolic Gagnoa, in "country Bete" (center-west), home region of Laurent Gbagbo."We do not encounter resistance, but rallies," said Guillaume Soro was still at the microphone to FRANCE 24. We've already been contacted by several generals who were not publicly disclosed for security reasons.The only difficulties we encountered [three days], it is with the militias and mercenaries on the side of Duékoué (west). "
Shots heard in Abidjan
Although Guillaume Soro would not confirm that the armored forces pro-Ouattara were heading to Abidjan now - "I will not reveal here the military strategy of Republican Forces," he said - he did no secret that controlling the Ivorian economic capital was the ultimate goal of the offensive.
In town, the tension was already palpable on Wednesday. According to AFP, shots, including heavy weapons, were heard in several neighborhoods north of the town and many residents have returned home hurriedly.
