20110327
reuters

ABIDJAN (Reuters) - Abidjan gunmen fighting Ivory Coast's Laurent Gbagbo after he refused to concede an election say they want him out. But that doesn't necessarily mean they all want his rival Alassane Ouattara in.

For nearly a month a shadowy group calling itself the "Invisible Commandos" has inflicted a series of defeats on pro-Gbagbo forces, seizing control of north Abidjan and pushing into Gbagbo strongholds in the west and near the city centre.

Gbagbo's camp says the commandos are pro-Ouattara "terrorists" trying to oust his legitimate government.

Ouattara's rival administration has meanwhile sought to distance itself from the insurgents taking over parts of Abidjan -- and for many the feeling seems mutual.

"The chief of our movement is General Ibrahim Coulibaly," a bearded fighter calling himself Colonel Bauer told Reuters.

Coulibaly, known as "IB", was a senior rebel commander in the 2002-03 rebellion before falling out with the leadership that remains in control of the north of the country and has subsequently backed Ouattara in the power struggle.

There have previously been clashes between various factions of the rebellion and analysts say Gbagbo's reluctance to step down may only provide a temporary reunifying factor.

"I don't even know Ouattara. We've never met," said Bauer, wearing a green T-shirt, clutching a walkie-talkie radio and surrounded by uniformed fighters.

Questions over the gunmen's allegiance are likely to complicate any intensification of the fighting, as well as who would be in control in the aftermath, if Gbagbo is forced out.