Tension over Gbagbo in power
2005-11-01 11:47
Bidjan - Ivory Coast's president has begun a United Nations-backed extended year in power on Monday amid strong objections from rebels and opposition leaders who have called for him to step down.
Gbagbo's opponents, including several cabinet ministers, say they will no longer recognise his authority. Amid the controversy, many Ivorians have feared new violence, particularly on Sunday - the original date for a postponed presidential vote.
"You see that today is the 31st of October, and the sky hasn't fallen on our heads," said Gbagbo.
On Sunday, Gbagbo said he would name a new prime minister within days to ensure a presidential ballot would be held within 12 months.
Tensions over new premier
Afterward, rebels issued a statement proclaiming their leader Guillaume Soro as the new premier, although they have no legal authority to do so. The move was sure to increase tension in the war-divided country and added to confusion over who will replace the incumbent premier, Seydou Diarra.
"There is no great nation that hasn't gone through difficult tests," Gbagbo said. "We will face this crisis and get out of it using the path of the law and the constitution."
Gbagbo has ruled the world's top cocoa producer since winning elections in 2000. Two years later, he lost control of the northern half of the country to rebels who took up arms against him after a failed coup.
A long-awaited presidential vote was initially set to have been held on Sunday, but Gbagbo cancelled the vote last month, blaming rebels for failing to disarm. Government militia have also failed to lay down arms under a UN-backed nationwide disarmament plan.
President's right to postpone the vote
Gbagbo says the constitution gives him the right to postpone the vote and stay in power because of the conflict. Rebels and opposition leaders in Abidjan dispute his interpretation of the document and say he has no legal right to stay in power.
The UN security council and the 53-nation African Union have issued resolutions backing an extension of Gbagbo's mandate for a year. They have also called for the appointment of a new prime minister to make sure the postponed ballot is held.
"I refuse to change the fundamental laws of this country by Kalashnikov," Gbagbo said on Monday. "We are ready to discuss with everybody, but we aren't ready to trample on our state so the rebellion prospers."
On Sunday, rebels issued a statement declaring Gbagbo's mandate "well and truly over", and saying they would no longer recognise him as head of state.
On Sunday, security forces fired tear gas and bullets to disperse thousands of opposition youths who set up roadblocks and burned tires on a six-lane road in Abidjan.
Pro-Gbagbo youth militants who helped sweep Gbagbo to power during 2000 street protests are planning a rally of their own on Tuesday.
- AP