14,000 flee Ivory Coast, says UN

A Gbagbo adviser has said he does not believe their supporters are behind the attacks.





Press association
At least 14,000 people have fled the violence and political chaos in Ivory Coast, some walking for up to four days with little food to reach neighbouring Liberia, the UN refugee agency said. At least one child drowned while trying to cross a river.

The UN has said at least 173 people have died in violence over the disputed presidential run-off election held nearly a month ago. The toll is believed to be much higher, though, as the UN mission has been blocked from investigating other reports including an allegation of a mass grave.

"Food supplies are running short despite efforts by the government and humanitarian agencies to bring in more assistance," the UN refugee agency said in a statement. "Our staff report that host community houses are full and congested. In the area of Butuo, for example, there are homes where seven to 20 family members share a single room, while others sleep in corridors or on verandas."

West African leaders have threatened a military intervention if the man who the UN says lost the election in Ivory Coast does not step down. James Gbeho, president of the regional bloc Ecowas, said the group was making an "ultimate gesture" to Laurent Gbagbo to urge him to make a peaceful exit.

Mr Gbagbo has shown few signs that he plans to go, and his security forces have been accused of being behind hundreds of arrests, and dozens of cases of disappearance and torture in recent weeks. A Gbagbo adviser has said he does not believe their supporters are behind the attacks.