AFP reported that at least four people have been killed by live bullets as security forces tried to disperse the determined marchers. Three bodies were found at the commercial neighbourhood of Adjame, where a huge number of Ouattara’s supporters live. The AFP reporter also said she saw another body with bullet wounds in the Koumassi area of Abidjan.

But protest organisers say 13 people have been killed by live bullets across the city of Abidjan.

By midmorning, former colonial power France reiterated calls for calm to both camps. The International Criminal Court has warned Ivorian authorities against brutal repression of any form.

Both Ouattara and Gbagbo are claiming victory of the Nov.28 run-off, and have sworn themselves in as presidents. Each has a prime minister and cabinet ministers. Incumbent Gbagbo runs his government from the regular presidential palace and the state house. He also enjoys free access to state media, and the regular army is backing him.

Ouattara and his ministers are holed up in a four-star hotel heavily guarded by UN soldiers and elements of former northern rebels (FN).

The UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon on Wednesday called on all parties in the Ivorian conflict to desist from any act of violence, and once again asked Gbagbo to acknowledge defeat and handover power to Ouattara.

The state TV is heavily protected with armoured tanks and hundreds of armed men, prompting observers to decry possible armed clashes with Ouattara’s protesters who would be escorted by UN and France soldiers, according to organizers.

On Wednesday, police used teargas to disperse hundreds of pro-Ouattara protesters gathering in the political capital Yamoussoukro. About 300 were injured, but a spokesman for Gbagbo’s government said a policeman was also killed.

The African Union has announced it would be sending another envoy to mediate in the Ivorian crisis, after former South Africa President Thambo Mbeki failed to broker a deal between the two self-declared presidents of the Ivory Coast.
Ivorian reggae star Alpha Blondy, who had endorsed Gbagbo during the campaign, on Wednesday call on the incumbent president to accept defeat and leave the seat of power for Ouattara.

N.B. AfricaNews will provide updates of the situation in Ivory Coast throughout the day.