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RFI

In Côte d'Ivoire Laurent Gbagbo has ordered that UN forces and French troops leave the country, a government representative announced in a statement read on state television.

"The president of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire has just asked for the immediate departure from Ivorian territory of UNOCI and the French forces that support it," Education Minister Jacqueline Lohoues-Oble said.

Gbagbo is fighting off international pressure to cede power to Alassane Ouattara after last month's presidential election.

The United Nations, the US, the European Union, France and several African countries have recognised Ouattara as president, but Gbagbo refuses to stand down.

Gbagbo's supporters have accused the United Nations 10,000-strong UNOCI peacekeeping force and France's 900 troops in Ivory Coast of supporting pro-Ouattara rebel fighters.

RDR

President-elect Alassane Ouattara.

The spokesperson repeated these claims and said: "The Ivorian government considers that UNOCI has broadly failed in its mission in carrying out acts that are not in conformity with its mandate.

"This means that the Ivorian government henceforth opposes renewal of the operation's mandate, which expires on 20 December 2010."

There was no immediate reaction from the United Nations, but UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has previously defended UNOCI's work, called on Gbagbo to step down and vowed to protect Ouattara's government.

A group of gunmen in military uniform opened fire on the UN base in Abidjan overnight, the UN said Saturday.