Both the Ivorian government and rebels claim control over the city of 'Bouaké'

Both the Ivorian government and rebels claim to control the city of 'Bouaké'. Ivorian government officials announced on national television on Monday that they have retaken Bouaké, which had been captured by the rebels. However, the rebels state that they have repelled the government's attack. Earlier on Monday, government armored vehicles moved towards the city center, but following a heavy exchange of gunfire between the two sides, they retreated to the outskirts of the city. The Ivorian government launched its attack after rejecting a ceasefire proposed by regional diplomats. On the other hand, the rebels have captured the city of 'Vavoua' located in eastern Ivory Coast. Many of the rebels are Muslims living in northern Ivory Coast. Since the beginning of their uprising on September 19, they have taken control of many areas in the north of the country. The latest news from the Ivorian rebels indicates that following their resistance in Bouaké against the central government's attack, they will soon launch a counter-offensive. Government forces are attempting to retake Bouaké, the second-largest city in Ivory Coast, from the rebels. These forces advanced into the city center on Monday and attacked the rebels with mortars and machine guns. However, following this incursion, government forces began to retreat to the outskirts of the city. Residents of the city reported hearing gunfire early this morning. Reports on who controls Bouaké are conflicting. The central government launched its attack after refusing to sign a proposed ceasefire agreement by regional mediators. Since the uprising began on September 19, rebel soldiers have controlled most of the northern regions of Ivory Coast.