The UN peacekeeping mission in Côte d’Ivoire today called for all parties to show restraint and to remain calm amidst reports of violent clashes, including the use of mortars and heavy weaponry, in the country’s capital city Abidjan.

Côte d’Ivoire has been thrust into political uncertainty after the incumbent president refused to concede electoral defeat recently. The UN has endorsed the victory of opposition leader and President-elect, Alassane Ouattara, in the run-off presidential elections held on 28 November, despite outgoing President Laurent Gbagbo’s claim to have won.

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