At least 25 people were gunned down on Thursday in the town of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the scene of fighting between supporters of President Laurent Gbagbo and the opposition. During the day the Market Square of the city was subjected to mortar shelling by police forces, loyal to Gbagbo. The attack began without warning, and there are likely to be civilians among the victims.
In the presidential elections of December 2010, according to the Electoral Committee, Alassane Ouattara won a convincing victory. However, the Constitutional Council effectively awarded victory to the current head of the country Laurent Gbagbo.
Each one of the politicians declared himself president, taking oath of office and forming their own government.
Experts fear that if the fierce standoff between the two camps continues, the country may find itself on the brink of civil war.