international intrigue

Ivory Coast Strongman Laurent Gbagbo Has Been Arrested

The French Embassy says Laurent Gbagbo, who lost the election to Alassane Ouattara last November, but has been terrorizing U.N. peacekeepers and civilians in a refusal to leave office, has been arrested. Although both France and the U.N. were firing on positions held by Gbagbo loyalists through the weekend, in order to prevent “a bloodbath,” they claim no involvement in the overnight battle with Ouattara’s troops that led to Gbagbo’s capture. Witnesses, however, reported a column of about 30 French armored vehicles, accompanied by ground forces, pushing toward Gbagbo’s residence. [CNN, NYT]

Ivory Coast Strongman Laurent Gbagbo Has Been Arrested