U.N., Ivorian troops at Liberian border

Sept. 20, 2011

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Ivorian forces are getting help from the United Nations to restore security along the Liberian border following attacks last week, an official said.

At least 13 civilians and one Ivorian soldier were among those killed last week along the border with Liberia. The death toll was raised to 15 during the weekend with the blame laid on "Liberian mercenaries," CNN reports.

Paul Koffi Koffi, the deputy minister of defense for the Ivorian government, confirmed that U.N. forces were helping Ivorian troops stationed along the border, the broadcaster adds.

Liberian mercenaries fighting in support of former president Laurent Gbagbo were blamed for some of the atrocities committed in Ivory Coast during the political conflict that gripped the West African country early this year.

The international community recognized Alassane Ouattara as the winner of a November presidential election. Gbagbo refused to stand down, however, and ensuing conflict left thousands dead and many more displaced.

Ouattara, alongside his Liberian counterpart Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and other regional leaders called on the United Nations to offer for more monitoring along the Liberian border in a Sept. 10 appeal.

Source: United Press International (UPI).
Link: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2011/09/20/UN-Ivorian-troops-at-Liberian-border/UPI-33861316541051/.