Samuel Okocha, AfricaNews reporter in Lagos, Nigeria
Ivory Coast's ambassador to the UN Youssoufou Bamba says a unity government could be possible if incumbent Laurent Gbagbo stands down and hands over power to the President-elect Allasane Ouattara. Mr. Bamba was appointed by Mr. Ouattara, whom the international community recognizes as the winner of last November run-off vote.
He said Alassane Ouattara was prepared to work with Mr Gbagbo's followers after the November disputed election, once the incumbent admits defeat and stands down.
Mr. Gbagbo "has been defeated," the ambassador said in an interview on the BBC's HARDtalk television news program. "He has to admit that, he has to step down and... the rest is negotiated."
"He [Gbagbo] has followers; he has competent people in his party. Those people, we are prepared to work with them, in the framework of wide composite cabinet," Mr. Bamba added.
Mr Gbagbo has refused to acknowledge defeat following last’s November presidential vote in which the Ivorian electoral commission said Ouattara won with an eight percentage point margin.
Ivory Coast's ambassador to the UN Youssoufou Bamba says a unity government could be possible if incumbent Laurent Gbagbo stands down and hands over power to the President-elect Allasane Ouattara. Mr. Bamba was appointed by Mr. Ouattara, whom the international community recognizes as the winner of last November run-off vote.
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