Ivory Coast

Former Ivory Coast Prime Minister Alassane Dramane Ouattara (L) of the Gathering of the Republican party shares a smile with Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo (C) and Bourahima Badini,(C/foreground)) special representative of mediator in the Ivory Coast political crisis, Burkinabe President Blaise Compaore (Out of camera range) during a meeting held at the presidential palace in Abidjan on June 30,2010. Elections have been postponed seven times since Gbagbo's mandate ran out in 2005, the latest delay coming in February when the head of state scrapped both the government and the Independent Electoral Commission. Second (R) Ivory Coast Prime minister Guillaume Soro and far (R) Former Ivory Coast president Henri Konan Bedie.

Former Ivory Coast Prime Minister Alassane Dramane Ouattara (L) of the Gathering of the Republican party poviews Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo (C) shaking hands with Ivory Coast former President Henri Konan Bedie during a meeting held at the presidential palace in Abidjan on June 30,2010. Elections have been postponed seven times since Gbagbo's mandate ran out in 2005, the latest delay coming in February when the head of state scrapped both the government and the Independent Electoral Commission. Second row, second R Ivory Coast Prime minister Guillaume Soro.

Audiovisual archives of the Ivory coast are projected (Felix Houphouet Boigny) after the signature by the Ivory Coast Minister of communication Sy Savane and the French Embassador to the Ivory Coast Jean Marc Simon (both unseen) of the release to the Ivory Coast of the audiovisual and radiophonic archives from before the independence, sent by the French National Audiovisual Institut, on September 29, 2010 in Abidjan.

Audiovisual archives of the Ivory coast are projected after the signature by the Ivory Coast Minister of communication Sy Savane and the French Embassador to the Ivory Coast Jean Marc Simon (both unseen) of the release to the Ivory Coast of the audiovisual and radiophonic archives from before the independence, sent by the French National Audiovisual Institut, on September 29, 2010 in Abidjan.

Ivory Coast rebels threaten a loyalist fighter they have just captured on a patrol on the perimeter of occupied Bouake 06 October 2002. Ivory Coast troops launched a major offensive against the rebel stronghold of Bouake, attacking the country's second biggest city with heavy weapons, it was reported. Hours earlier, the government had refused to sign a ceasefire with the insurgents, negotiated through an ECOWAS west African mission. A picture taken 06 October 2002 by Agence France Presse French photographer Georges Gobet shows Ivory Coast rebels threatening a loyalist fighter they have just captured on a patrol on the perimeter of occupied Bouake. Gobet, winner of the World Press Photo award in the category 'Spot News Stories' in Feburary 2003, won the Visa d'or news at Perpignan during the 15th 'Visa pour l'image' international photojournalism festival, for his work on the conflict in Ivory Coast, it was announced 06 September 2003.

Audiovisual archives of the Ivory coast are projected after the signature by the Ivory Coast Minister of communication Sy Savane (R) and the French Embassador to the Ivory Coast Jean Marc Simon (L) of the release to the Ivory Coast of the audiovisual and radiophonic archives from before the independence, sent by the French National Audiovisual Institut, on September 29, 2010 in Abidjan.

Former Ivory Coast Transportation Minister and leader of the Union for Democracy and Peace in Ivory Coast Albert Mabri Toikeusse (C)meets with his supporters at Attecoube market in Abidjan during the presidential election campaign rally in Abidjan on October 24, 2010, ahead of the October 31 presidential elections. With posters stuck up all over Abidjan and rallies planned, the presidential election campaign began in Ivory Coast after a decade of crisis and the division of the country by a rebellion.

Former Ivory Coast Transportation Minister and leader of the Union for Democracy and Peace in Ivory Coast Albert Mabri Toikeusse delivers a speech to his supporters at Attecoube market in Abidjan during the presidential election campaign rally in Abidjan on October 24, 2010, ahead of the October 31 presidential elections. With posters stuck up all over Abidjan and rallies planned, the presidential election campaign began in Ivory Coast after a decade of crisis and the division of the country by a rebellion.

Former Ivory Coast Transportation Minister and leader of the Union for Democracy and Peace in Ivory Coast Albert Mabri Toikeusse delivers a speech to his supporters at Attecoube market in Abidjan during the presidential election campaign rally in Abidjan on October 24, 2010, ahead of the October 31 presidential elections. With posters stuck up all over Abidjan and rallies planned, the presidential election campaign began in Ivory Coast after a decade of crisis and the division of the country by a rebellion.

Former Ivory Coast Transportation Minister and leader of the Union for Democracy and Peace in Ivory Coast Albert Mabri Toikeusse waves to his supporters at Attecoube market in Abidjan during the presidential election campaign rally in Abidjan on October 24, 2010, ahead of the October 31 presidential elections. With posters stuck up all over Abidjan and rallies planned, the presidential election campaign began in Ivory Coast after a decade of crisis and the division of the country by a rebellion.

Ivory Coast's President Laurent Gbagbo (C) talks with mediator in Ivory Coast's political crisis, Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore (R) next to Ivory coast's Prime Minister Guillaume Soro (L), on November 27, 2010 during a welcoming ceremony at the airport in Abidjan. Compaore, arrived in Abidjan today to reassure Ivorians on the eve of a presidential vote marred by deadly violence.

Ivory Coast's President Laurent Gbagbo (C) and Ivory Coast's Prime Minister and former rebel leader Guillaume Soro (L) point to an unseen portrait of themselves during a meeting on October 16, 2008 in Katiola, part of a three day visit to the north of the country. The long-awaited presidential elections in Ivory Coast, planned for November 30, are likely to be delayed until next year, a source close to the independent electoral commission (CEI) said Thursday.

Former Ivory Coast Transportation Minister and leader of the Union for Democracy and Peace in Ivory Coast Albert Mabri Toikeusse (C) shakes hands with his supporters at Attecoube market in Abidjan during the presidential election campaign rally in Abidjan on October 24, 2010, ahead of the October 31 presidential elections. With posters stuck up all over Abidjan and rallies planned, the presidential election campaign began in Ivory Coast after a decade of crisis and the division of the country by a rebellion.

Ivory Coast's president Laurent Gbagbo (L) talks with Ivory Coast's Prime Minister Guillaume Soro prior to a meeting, on October 3, 2010, in Bouake, ahead of the October 31 poll. The election is intended to help end a crisis that has seen the west African country divided in two since a foiled coup against Gbagbo in 2002, when rebels of the New Forces (FN) took control of northern Ivory Coast. Elections have been postponed seven times since Gbagbo's mandate expired in 2005, with the latest delay occurring in February when the head of state scrapped both the government and the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI).AFP PHOTO SIA KAMBOU.

Ivory Coast's president Laurent Gbagbo (R) talks with Ivory Coast's Prime Minister Guillaume Soro prior to a meeting, on October 3, 2010, in Bouake, ahead of the October 31 poll. The election is intended to help end a crisis that has seen the west African country divided in two since a foiled coup against Gbagbo in 2002, when rebels of the New Forces (FN) took control of northern Ivory Coast. Elections have been postponed seven times since Gbagbo's mandate expired in 2005, with the latest delay occurring in February when the head of state scrapped both the government and the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI).AFP PHOTO SIA KAMBOU.

Former Ivory Coast Transportation Minister and leader of the Union for Democracy and Peace in Ivory Coast Albert Mabri Toikeusse (R) waves to his supporters at Attecoube market in Abidjan during the presidential election campaign rally in Abidjan on October 24, 2010, ahead of the October 31 presidential elections. With posters stuck up all over Abidjan and rallies planned, the presidential election campaign began in Ivory Coast after a decade of crisis and the division of the country by a rebellion.

Former Ivory Coast Transportation Minister and leader of the Union for Democracy and Peace in Ivory Coast Albert Mabri Toikeusse waves to his supporters at Attecoube market in Abidjan during the presidential election campaign rally in Abidjan on October 24, 2010, ahead of the October 31 presidential elections. With posters stuck up all over Abidjan and rallies planned, the presidential election campaign began in Ivory Coast after a decade of crisis and the division of the country by a rebellion.

Former Ivory Coast Transportation Minister and leader of the Union for Democracy and Peace in Ivory Coast Albert Mabri Toikeusse delivers a speech to his supporters at Attecoube market in Abidjan during the presidential election campaign rally in Abidjan on October 24, 2010, ahead of the October 31 presidential elections. With posters stuck up all over Abidjan and rallies planned, the presidential election campaign began in Ivory Coast after a decade of crisis and the division of the country by a rebellion.

Ivory Coast's president Laurent Gbagbo (L) talks with Ivory Coast's Prime Minister Guillaume Soro prior to a meeting, on October 3, 2010, in Bouake, ahead of the October 31 poll. The election is intended to help end a crisis that has seen the west African country divided in two since a foiled coup against Gbagbo in 2002, when rebels of the New Forces (FN) took control of northern Ivory Coast. Elections have been postponed seven times since Gbagbo's mandate expired in 2005, with the latest delay occurring in February when the head of state scrapped both the government and the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI).AFP PHOTO SIA KAMBOU.

Former Ivory Coast Transportation Minister and leader of the Union for Democracy and Peace in Ivory Coast Albert Mabri Toikeusse waves to his supporters at Attecoube market in Abidjan during the presidential election campaign rally in Abidjan on October 24, 2010, ahead of the October 31 presidential elections. With posters stuck up all over Abidjan and rallies planned, the presidential election campaign began in Ivory Coast after a decade of crisis and the division of the country by a rebellion.

Former Ivory Coast Transportation Minister and leader of the Union for Democracy and Peace in Ivory Coast Albert Mabri Toikeusse delivers a speech to his supporters at Attecoube market in Abidjan during the presidential election campaign rally in Abidjan on October 24, 2010, ahead of the October 31 presidential elections. With posters stuck up all over Abidjan and rallies planned, the presidential election campaign began in Ivory Coast after a decade of crisis and the division of the country by a rebellion.

Ivory Coast's president Laurent Gbagbo (R) talks with Ivory Coast's Prime Minister Guillaume Soro (L) prior to a meeting, on October 3, 2010, in Bouake, ahead of the October 31 poll. The election is intended to help end a crisis that has seen the west African country divided in two since a foiled coup against Gbagbo in 2002, when rebels of the New Forces (FN) took control of northern Ivory Coast. Elections have been postponed seven times since Gbagbo's mandate expired in 2005, with the latest delay occurring in February when the head of state scrapped both the government and the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI).AFP PHOTO SIA KAMBOU.

Former Ivory Coast Transportation Minister and leader of the Union for Democracy and Peace in Ivory Coast Albert Mabri Toikeusse (C) waves to his supporters at Attecoube market in Abidjan during the presidential election campaign rally in Abidjan on October 24, 2010, ahead of the October 31 presidential elections. With posters stuck up all over Abidjan and rallies planned, the presidential election campaign began in Ivory Coast after a decade of crisis and the division of the country by a rebellion.

Former Ivory Coast Transportation Minister and leader of the Union for Democracy and Peace in Ivory Coast Albert Mabri Toikeusse delivers a speech to his supporters at Attecoube market in Abidjan during the presidential election campaign rally on October 24, 2010, ahead of the October 31 presidential elections. With posters stuck up all over Abidjan and rallies planned, the presidential election campaign began in Ivory Coast after a decade of crisis and the division of the country by a rebellion.

Ivory Coast's president Laurent Gbagbo (L) talks with Ivory Coast's Prime Minister Guillaume Soro prior to a meeting, on October 3, 2010, in Bouake, ahead of the October 31 poll. The election is intended to help end a crisis that has seen the west African country divided in two since a foiled coup against Gbagbo in 2002, when rebels of the New Forces (FN) took control of northern Ivory Coast. Elections have been postponed seven times since Gbagbo's mandate expired in 2005, with the latest delay occurring in February when the head of state scrapped both the government and the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI).AFP PHOTO SIA KAMBOU.

Former Ivory Coast Transportation Minister and leader of the Union for Democracy and Peace in Ivory Coast Albert Mabri Toikeusse waves to his supporters at Attecoube market in Abidjan during the presidential election campaign rally in Abidjan on October 24, 2010, ahead of the October 31 presidential elections. With posters stuck up all over Abidjan and rallies planned, the presidential election campaign began in Ivory Coast after a decade of crisis and the division of the country by a rebellion.

Former Ivory Coast Transportation Minister and leader of the Union for Democracy and Peace in Ivory Coast Albert Mabri Toikeusse delivers a speech to his supporters at Attecoube market in Abidjan during the presidential election campaign rally in Abidjan on October 24, 2010, ahead of the October 31 presidential elections. With posters stuck up all over Abidjan and rallies planned, the presidential election campaign began in Ivory Coast after a decade of crisis and the division of the country by a rebellion.

Former Ivory Coast Transportation Minister and leader of the Union for Democracy and Peace in Ivory Coast Albert Mabri Toikeusse delivers a speech to his supporters at Attecoube market in Abidjan during the presidential election campaign rally in Abidjan on October 24, 2010, ahead of the October 31 presidential elections. With posters stuck up all over Abidjan and rallies planned, the presidential election campaign began in Ivory Coast after a decade of crisis and the division of the country by a rebellion.

Ivory Coast's president Laurent Gbagbo (R) talks with Ivory Coast's Prime Minister Guillaume Soro prior to a meeting, on October 3, 2010, in Bouake, ahead of the October 31 poll. The election is intended to help end a crisis that has seen the west African country divided in two since a foiled coup against Gbagbo in 2002, when rebels of the New Forces (FN) took control of northern Ivory Coast. Elections have been postponed seven times since Gbagbo's mandate expired in 2005, with the latest delay occurring in February when the head of state scrapped both the government and the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI).AFP PHOTO SIA KAMBOU.

Former Ivory Coast Transportation Minister and leader of the Union for Democracy and Peace in Ivory Coast Albert Mabri Toikeusse waves to his supporters at Attecoube market in Abidjan during the presidential election campaign rally in Abidjan on October 24, 2010, ahead of the October 31 presidential elections. With posters stuck up all over Abidjan and rallies planned, the presidential election campaign began in Ivory Coast after a decade of crisis and the division of the country by a rebellion.

Former Ivory Coast Transportation Minister and leader of the Union for Democracy and Peace in Ivory Coast Albert Mabri Toikeusse (C) shakes hands with his supporters at Attecoube market in Abidjan during the presidential election campaign rally in Abidjan on October 24, 2010, ahead of the October 31 presidential elections. With posters stuck up all over Abidjan and rallies planned, the presidential election campaign began in Ivory Coast after a decade of crisis and the division of the country by a rebellion.

Ivory Coast's president Laurent Gbagbo (C) talks with Ivory Coast's Prime Minister Guillaume Soro (R) upon arrival prior to a meeting, on October 3, 2010, in Bouake, ahead of the October 31 poll. The election is intended to help end a crisis that has seen the west African country divided in two since a foiled coup against Gbagbo in 2002, when rebels of the New Forces (FN) took control of northern Ivory Coast. Elections have been postponed seven times since Gbagbo's mandate expired in 2005, with the latest delay occurring in February when the head of state scrapped both the government and the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI).AFP PHOTO SIA KAMBOU.

Ivory Coast's president Laurent Gbagbo (L) talks with Ivory Coast's Prime Minister Guillaume Soro prior to a meeting, on October 3, 2010, in Bouake, ahead of the October 31 poll. The election is intended to help end a crisis that has seen the west African country divided in two since a foiled coup against Gbagbo in 2002, when rebels of the New Forces (FN) took control of northern Ivory Coast. Elections have been postponed seven times since Gbagbo's mandate expired in 2005, with the latest delay occurring in February when the head of state scrapped both the government and the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI).AFP PHOTO SIA KAMBOU.

Ivory Coast's president Laurent Gbagbo (L) talks with Ivory Coast's Prime Minister Guillaume Soro prior to a meeting, on October 3, 2010, in Bouake, ahead of the October 31 poll. The election is intended to help end a crisis that has seen the west African country divided in two since a foiled coup against Gbagbo in 2002, when rebels of the New Forces (FN) took control of northern Ivory Coast. Elections have been postponed seven times since Gbagbo's mandate expired in 2005, with the latest delay occurring in February when the head of state scrapped both the government and the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI).AFP PHOTO SIA KAMBOU.

Ivory Coast's President Laurent Gbagbo (L) leaves following a meeting with Alassane Dramane Ouattara (R), former Prime Minister and current President of the Rally of the Republicans (RDR) and current Ivory Coast's Prime Minister Guillaume Soro in Abidjan on May 17, 2010. Gbagbo has been in power for 10 years, but his mandate expired in 2005, and successive internationally mediated bids to organise an election foundered six times. Few in Ivory Coast believe that it will be possible to organise one by the latest planned date, but Soro has said he wants a poll by June.

Ivory Coast's president Laurent Gbagbo (R) talks with Ivory Coast's Prime Minister Guillaume Soro prior to a meeting, on October 3, 2010, in Bouake, ahead of the October 31 poll. The election is intended to help end a crisis that has seen the west African country divided in two since a foiled coup against Gbagbo in 2002, when rebels of the New Forces (FN) took control of northern Ivory Coast. Elections have been postponed seven times since Gbagbo's mandate expired in 2005, with the latest delay occurring in February when the head of state scrapped both the government and the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI).AFP PHOTO SIA KAMBOU.

Supporters of former Ivory Coast Transportation Minister and leader of the Union for Democracy and Peace in Ivory Coast Albert Mabri Toikeusse shows a banner reading in French 'Mabri, the solution for all' at Attecoube market during a campaign rally attended by their leader in Abidjan during the presidential election campaign rally in Abidjan on October 24, 2010, ahead of the October 31 presidential elections. With posters stuck up all over Abidjan and rallies planned, the presidential election campaign began in Ivory Coast after a decade of crisis and the division of the country by a rebellion.

Ivory Coast's Prime Minister Guillaume Soro (R) smiles during his meeting with Secretary general to the French President, Claude Gueant (C) and French Ambassador to the Ivory Coast Jean-Marc Simon (L) on October 3, 2010 in Abidjan as part of a visit ahead of the October 31 poll. The election is intended to help end a crisis that has seen the west African country divided in two since a foiled coup against Gbagbo in 2002, when rebels of the New Forces (FN) took control of northern Ivory Coast. Elections have been postponed seven times since Gbagbo's mandate expired in 2005, with the latest delay occurring in February when the head of state scrapped both the government and the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI).

Ivory Coast's President and presidential election candidate Laurent Gbagbo (R) shakes hands with Ivory Coast Young Patriote leader Charles Ble Goude (L) during a presidential campaign meeting on November 22, 2010 in Abidjan. Ivory Coast's presidential run-off between incumbent Laurent Gbagbo and rival Alassane Ouattara kicked off ahead of the November 28 election.

Ivory Coast's President and presidential election candidate Laurent Gbagbo (R) shakes hands with Ivory Coast Young Patriote leader Charles Ble Goude (L) during a presidential campaign meeting on November 22, 2010 in Abidjan. Ivory Coast's presidential run-off between incumbent Laurent Gbagbo and rival Alassane Ouattara kicked off ahead of the November 28 election.

Ivory Coast's President and incumbent Laurent Gbagbo speaks on November 26, 2010 during a campaign meeting in Abidjan. Ivory Coast's presidential run-off between Gbagbo and his rival Alassane Ouattara kicked off ahead of the November 28 run-off election. Ivory Coast's presidential rivals launched a last noisy day of campaigning on November 26 for an election aiming to end a decade of instability, after a race marred by tensions and outbreaks of violence.

Ivory Coast's President and incumbent Laurent Gbagbo (R) speaks on November 26, 2010 during a campaign meeting in Abidjan. Ivory Coast's presidential run-off between Gbagbo and his rival Alassane Ouattara kicked off ahead of the November 28 run-off election. Ivory Coast's presidential rivals launched a last noisy day of campaigning on November 26 for an election aiming to end a decade of instability, after a race marred by tensions and outbreaks of violence.

Ivory Coast's President and incumbent Laurent Gbagbo (L) speaks on November 26, 2010 during a campaign meeting in Abidjan. Ivory Coast's presidential run-off between Gbagbo and his rival Alassane Ouattara kicked off ahead of the November 28 run-off election. Ivory Coast's presidential rivals launched a last noisy day of campaigning on November 26 for an election aiming to end a decade of instability, after a race marred by tensions and outbreaks of violence.

Supporters of Ivory Coast's President and incumbent Laurent Gbagbo attend on November 26, 2010 at a campaign meeting in Abidjan. Ivory Coast's presidential run-off between Gbagbo and his rival Alassane Ouattara kicked off ahead of the November 28 run-off election. Ivory Coast's presidential rivals launched a last noisy day of campaigning on November 26 for an election aiming to end a decade of instability, after a race marred by tensions and outbreaks of violence. Poster reads: 'Gbagbo president. I pledge to: Build peace on democracy and prosperity.'

Ivory coast President Laurent Gbagbo (L) and Ivorian former Prime Minister and presidential candidate Alassane Ouattara (R) shake hands on November 27, 2010 at the presidential palace in Abidjan after a meeting. Burkina Faso's President and mediator in Ivory Coast's political crisis Blaise Compaore (not pictured) arrived in Abidjan today to reassure Ivorians on the eve of a presidential vote marred by deadly violence. Gbagbo and Ouattara 'should be in harmony so that the verdict of the ballots is accepted by everyone, so Ivory Coast can return definitively to the path of peace,' Compaore said in a statement.

Ivory coast President Laurent Gbagbo (L), his counterpart from Burkina Faso and mediator in Ivory Coast's political crisis Blaise Compaore (C), and Ivorian former Prime Minister and presidential candidate Alassane Ouattara (R), pose on November 27, 2010 at the presidential palace in Abidjan after a meeting. Compaore arrived in Abidjan today to reassure Ivorians on the eve of a presidential vote marred by deadly violence. Gbagbo and Ouattara 'should be in harmony so that the verdict of the ballots is accepted by everyone, so Ivory Coast can return definitively to the path of peace,' Compaore said in a statement.

Ivory Coast presidential candidate Alassane Dramane Ouattara (L) attends a ceremony in a hotel in Abidjan on December 4, 2010 after Prime Minister Guillaume Soro, leader of the New Forces movement that controls the north of the country, offered his resignation letter to Ouattara who immediately re-appointed him to the post, in front of reporters. Alassane Ouattara swore himself in as Ivory Coast's new president by mail on Saturday, laying claim to the presidency in defiance of Laurent Gbagbo who faces international pressure to step aside. The Ivory Coast flag is seen in the background.

Ivory Coast gendarmes walk by burning tyres during a demonstration by supporters of Ivory Coast's presidential candidate Alassane Ouattara in the streets of Abidjan on December 6, 2010. Ivory Coast was in political turmoil Monday after rivals for the presidency each named their own prime ministers while international mediators tried to settle the standoff amid fears of civil war.

Former Ivory Coast Prime Minister Alassane Dramane Ouattara (L) of the Gathering of the Republic party shares a smile with Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo (C) and Bourahima Badini,(R) special representative of mediator in the Ivory Coast political crisis, Burkinabe President Blaise Compaore (Out of camera range) during a meeting held at the presidential palace in Abidjan on June 30,2010. Elections have been postponed seven times since Gbagbo's mandate ran out in 2005, the latest delay coming in February when the head of state scrapped both the government and the Independent Electoral Commission.

Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo (R) meets with French Defence Minister Herve Morin (2nd R), André Janier (2nd L) the French ambassadeur to the Ivory Coast, and Francaise Licorne, commander of the French forces in the Ivory Coast, in Abidjan, 05 December 2007.