20101207
africanews

The United Nations is moving non-essential staff out of the West African country, Ivory Coast, following the state's disputed presidential election. Some 460 staff would continue to carry out their duties from the Gambia, UN spokesman Martin Nesirky said.

Earlier, Botswana's President Khama Ian Khama urged African heads of state to strongly condemn what was happening.
He also told the BBC that President Laurent Gbagbo should step down, saying it was clear a majority of people had voted for his rival, Alassane Ouattara.

The World Bank and African Development Bank meanwhile said Ivory Coast had to resolve its political crisis or face having its aid frozen.

"We wish to continue working with the people of Ivory Coast in the fight against poverty but it is difficult to do so effectively in an environment of prolonged uncertainty and tension," said a joint statement.

"We will continue to closely monitor developments and reassess the usefulness and effectiveness of our programmes given the breakdown in governance."