Advancement of Government Forces in Ivory Coast - 2002-11-28

French forces monitoring the ceasefire in Ivory Coast report that government troops are advancing towards rebel positions. According to a spokesperson for these forces, Ivorian government soldiers and pro-government mercenaries are moving towards the city of Vavua in the center of the country, which is held by rebels. The rebels previously accused the army of attacking behind their lines in the city of Vavua with helicopters, killing many civilians. According to the rebels, the government has violated the six-week ceasefire with this action. French forces are investigating reports that residents of the city of Danan in western Ivory Coast have reported gunfire in the area. Peace talks in Togo aimed at establishing peace in the country have reached a deadlock due to conflicting demands from both sides. On the other hand, another rebel group that encouraged the killing of former army leader Robert Guei claims to have taken control of the city of Danan in the northwest of Ivory Coast. This group has also been fighting near the city of Man. Mr. Guei was killed by loyal soldiers in the early hours of the Ivory Coast uprising on September 19th.