Despite attacks, Gbagbo's residence remains impregnable
0 
|
|
|
French soldiers patrol on a street in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, April 7, 2011. Cote d'Ivoire's internationally recognized President Alassane Ouattara on Thursday announced the blockade of his presidential rival Laurent Gbagbo's residence in the West African country's biggest city Abidjan, vowing to restore order and security. [Xinhua/He Peng] |
A HOUSE WITH ADVANTAGEOUS CHARACTERISTICS
The characteristics of the embattled president's house could also have played a role in his favor.
The presidential residence which was constructed during the time of Cote d'Ivoire's first president Felix Houphouet Boigny, is a strong building.
The building also has a superior underground with bunkers which ensure the security of those inside. "Gbagbo is holed up with his close confidants in the bunker in his residence. The doors to the bunker are armored," a well placed source had revealed this immediately after pro-Ouattara forces launched an offensive.
The presidential residence in Abidjan is seen as a fortress in which Gbagbo has found a solid refuge.
These various advantages among others, have helped the besieged president to continue putting up a resistance which is still surprising to many observers.
The UN estimates that almost 1,000 people have been killed in Cote d'Ivoire's election violence which broke out in mid-December following disputed presidential elections.
Go to Forum >>0 Comments