The war continues in Ivory Coast. As Reuters reports, "fierce fighting spread across Abidjan on Friday as troops loyal to Ivory Coast's Laurent Gbagbo fended off attacks by forces supporting Alassane Ouattara's rival claim to the presidency."
NPR's Ofeibea Quist-Arcton, meanwhile, " reported that rebel forces succeeded in wresting control of the pivotal state broadcasting complex, Radio Television Ivoirienne, and imposed a nighttime curfew until Sunday, announcing the closure of Ivory Coast's borders."
The BBC puts things this way: "Troops supporting the U.N.-recognized president of Ivory Coast, Alassane Ouattara, are taking part in a final push to oust his rival, Laurent Gbagbo, who refuses to give up the presidency. In the main city, Abidjan, pro-Ouattara forces have launched an assault on the fortified presidential residence."
In Washington, State Department spokesman Mark Toner said it's time for Gbabgo to give up his bid to stay in power. "We would urge Mr Gbabgo to read the writing on the wall and to step down now," Toner said today.
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