Spokesman for Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika, who is the AU chairperson, Dr. Hetherwick Ntaba said: “Gbagbo must be descent enough to step down to avoid civil disorder and its ugly consequences.”

“The AU is disappointed with Gbagbo’s continued clinging to power as was the case by 3rd January 2011 after Ivory Coast’s leadership met three leaders from ECOWAS. It still shows there is no breakthrough.”

“Eminent persons’ assessment shows that opposition leader Alassane Ouattara is the clear winner. It will do Gbagbo a lot of good if he ensured that democracy and the wishes of people must prevail. The AU repeats that Gbagbo must step down for the legitimate winner to take over,” said Ntaba.

The African continental body also reaffirmed it will employ every possible means to ensure the rule of law takes place in Ivory Coast.

The AU is joined by the UN, ECOWAS, the international community, several banks and the EU in calling for Gbagbo’s immediate step down to pave way for Ouattara, holed up in a hotel defended by UN peacekeeping troops and blockaded by troops loyal to the increasingly world alienated leader.

ECOWAS has threatened to use force if Gbagbo does not step down.

The Gambia’s president Yayah Jahmeh leadership is the only country in the world to back Gbagbo, calling on the international community to avoid getting involved in Ivory Coast’s internal sovereign affairs.