[ 2011-03-31 ]

Gen Mangou's troops have been pushed back in an major offensive by pro-Ouattara forces this week

Gbagbo’s Army chief abandons him
Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo's army chief has
sought refuge at the home of South Africa's
ambassador in Abidjan, South Africa's foreign
ministry says.

Phillippe Mangou was accompanied by his wife and
children, a statement said.
The news came as forces loyal to the UN-recognised
president, Alassane Ouattara, were reported to be
on the outskirts of the main city of Abidjan.

Mr Gbagbo continues to cling to power in Abidjan,
despite the UN saying he lost November's poll.

Fighters loyal to Mr Ouattara began their advance
south from their northern bases on Monday,
capturing the capital, Yamoussoukro, and the key
port of San Pedro on Wednesday.
The BBC's John James in Yamoussoukro says almost
the only area President Gbagbo still controls is
Abidjan - 240km (150 miles) to the south of the
capital.

Mr Gbagbo's home town of Gagnoa has also fallen.

Prison break
Since the crisis began in December, one million
people have fled the violence - mostly from
Abidjan - and at least 473 people have been
killed, according to the UN.

South Africa's Department of International
Relations said Gen Mangou arrived at their
ambassador's official residence in Abidjan with
his family on Thursday night.

"The South African government is in consultation
with the relevant parties in the Ivory Coast,
Economic Community of West African States, the
African Union and the United Nations regarding
this matter," the statement said.

On Wednesday, the UN voted to impose sanctions on
Mr Gbagbo's circle, adding economic measures
already taken by the EU and African groups.

The UN resolution, drafted by France and Nigeria,
imposes a travel ban and assets freeze on Mr
Gbagbo, his wife Simone and three of his closest
associates.

Residents on the outskirts of Abidjan report heavy
fighting around the entry into the city on
Thursday morning.

Our correspondent says there are several reports
that the main prison has been broken into and the
prisoners set free.

The pro-Ouattara forces have controlled the north
of the country since a 2002 civil war.
Pro-Gbagbo troops have lost every battle against
them since last November's election, our reporter
says.

Source - BBC

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