Wednesday, January 26, 2011

U.N. U-Turn in Ivory Coast

Literally, folks.  

"United Nations peacekeepers arriving in a convoy of 13 vehicles were forced by a mob to make a U-turn as they attempted to enter the area"

Who faced down the U.N.?

"Incumbent’s backers raid Ivory Coast area" by Associated Press / January 12, 2011

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast — Security forces loyal to Ivory Coast’s incumbent leader, who refuses to cede power, fired volleys of gunshots yesterday, leaving at least four people dead after they cordoned off a large section of a neighborhood known to be his rival’s stronghold.

United Nations peacekeepers arriving in a convoy of 13 vehicles were forced by a mob to make a U-turn as they attempted to enter the area. Young men allied with incumbent Laurent Gbagbo amassed on the highway, wielding sticks and throwing large objects in their path....

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Well, you know what that will get you:

"UN cites violence, rape in Ivory Coast" by Associated Press / January 21, 2011

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast — The United Nations warned yesterday that violence is spreading across Ivory Coast, citing nearly two dozen rapes in the country’s west and one case where a political opponent was sexually tortured....

In the almost two months since the presidential election, incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo has refused to cede power even though the international community says his rival Alassane Ouattara won the vote.

African nations have also voiced support for Ouattara. Yesterday, Ouattara received an invitation to pay a state visit from President Seretse Ian Khama of Botswana....

Botswana have a kick-ass army to escort the U.N., or.... ???????

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Related:

"Security forces loyal to Laurent Gbagbo, the Ivorian leader who refuses to cede power, opened fire yesterday, killing at least one person, as military chiefs from neighboring nations met to plan possible armed intervention to depose him....  military preparations are “already well underway.’’  

Is that why it has slipped from the news pages for the time being?

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Also see Lathering Up the Ivory Coast For Invasion  

Bath time is over and it is time for bed, BG.  

Time for me to go to work.