News / Africa

More Mass Graves Found in Ivory Coast

Local residents look on as republican forces soldiers visit the site of an alleged mass grave in a recently pacified area of the Yopougon district, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, May 5, 2011
TEXT SIZE - +

United Nations investigators say they have found mass graves in Ivory Coast containing the bodies of more than 50 people.

Officials with the U.N. human rights office said Monday that the graves were found in the Yopougon district of Abidjan, the country's commercial capital.

Local residents say the victims were killed April 12 when gunmen loyal to former president Laurent Gbagbo attacked supporters of the country's new president, Alassane Ouattara.

Pro-Ouattara forces had captured Mr. Gbagbo the day before, ending a political crisis sparked when Mr. Gbagbo refused to concede defeat in last November's presidential election.

The U.N. human rights office announced last week that it was investigating reports of mass graves in Yopougon and the possible killing of civilians by both sides.

Hundreds of people were killed during four months of political unrest in Ivory Coast.  The U.N. says about 1 million were displaced from their homes.

President Ouattara has vowed to form a truth and reconciliation commission and hold accountable those responsible for criminal acts during the political crisis.

Mr. Ouattara's office says the president will have a formal inauguration in the political capital Yamoussoukro on May 21.

You May Like

Video Egypt's Conservative Rural Vote Appears Split

Early speculation after the first two-day round is showing a race too close to call More

NATO Continues Plans for Missile Defense

While Afghanistan dominated talks in Chicago, member states also reaffirmed their commitment to ballistic-missile defense More

War Declared on Invasive Leaping Asian Carp

When Asian carp were first imported decades ago, few foresaw their environmental impact. More

This forum has been closed.
Comments
     
There are no comments in this forum. Be first and add one

Latest Africa News

US Condemns Mali Violence

More

UN Calls for Suspension of Sanctions on Zimbabwe

More

Rights Group Says Cluster Bomb Found in Sudan Conflict Zone

More

African Leaders Discuss Sustainable Development on Continent

More

African Leaders Discuss Sustainable Development on Continent

More
Read more