Ivory Coast, Alassane Ouattara | featured news

Alassane Ouattara has been inaugurated as Ivory Coast's president after months of violence and political turmoil.

After French helicopters attack his bunker at the presidential residence, former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo is seized by forces for Alassane Ouattara, the official winner of last fall's election. Ivory Coast's Laurent Gbagbo, who refused to concede defeat in elections or in battle, was seized by opposition forces Monday and taken to the hotel where his rival's government was based, according to French and U.N. officials.

U.N. and French helicopters attacked Laurent Gbagbo's last strongholds in Abidjan on Monday as forces loyal to Ivory Coast presidential claimant Alassane Ouattara streamed into the city in a "final assault."

Thought to be all but defeated, Laurent Gbagbo's forces fought back Saturday, retaking control of Ivory Coast's all-powerful state-run television network that has been the embattled president's voice in his standoff with Alassane Ouattara.

Forces loyal to Ivory Coast President-elect Alassane Ouattara surround the main city of Abidjan, closing in on rival for president Laurent Gbagbo.