Rebels Control Most of Northern Ivory Coast - 2002-10-01

The battle between government forces and rebel soldiers in Ivory Coast has reached near Yamoussoukro, the capital. The news of clashes in Tiebissou, 40 kilometers from the capital, comes as reports indicate that rebels have taken control of most of northern Ivory Coast. France is attempting to strengthen government positions in Abidjan, the major city of Ivory Coast, by sending 70 more paratroopers and preparing the ground for intervention by West African forces. Some French troops are currently engaged in reinforcing positions in Yamoussoukro. Mediators from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are seeking to establish contact with rebel leaders following a meeting with Laurent Gbagbo, the President of Ivory Coast. France has increased its military presence in the country to help end the escalating rebellion that began a month ago. About 70 newly arrived French soldiers have established a tactical base in Abidjan, and hundreds more will be deployed in central Ivory Coast, where rebels are reportedly advancing. The rebels control the city of Bouaké, a major city in the central region, as well as several smaller towns in northern Ivory Coast. Mediators from West African countries who met with President Laurent Gbagbo on Monday are now working to meet with the rebels. It has been announced by the rebels to Voice of America that they are forming a delegation to talk with the mediators. The foreign ministers of Nigeria, Ghana, and Togo constitute the group of West African mediators.