link[quote]The alliance of opposition parties that endorsed Alassane Ouattara’s candidacy called for mass protests on Tuesday to take over state television and government buildings.
Mr Alphonse Djédjé Mady, a spokesperson of the coalition called on “all the people of Côte d'Ivoire to accompany massively the government” to install Ouattara’s new [choice of] CEO of state television on Thursday. The group also said they will march on government buildings on Friday “to install the legitimate and legal authorities”.
The move follows a statement of opposition Prime Minister Soro Guillaume on Monday when he announced that his cabinet would bring to their offices “the new heads of national television” and take over the official Prime Minister's office.
Mr Alassane Ouattara the internationally recognised winner of Côte d'Ivoire’s presidential election has set up his headquarters at a luxury hotel in Abidjan under the protection of UN peacekeepers and former rebels.
The official buildings which are under control of incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo are secured by hundreds of heavily armed soldiers. Mr Gbagbo is still having the support of the army.
Possible clash between the two camps on Thursday and Friday raises fears of bloodshed.
Several people were killed in slightly similar situation in October 2000 when military ruler of the country General Robert Guéi proclaimed himself the president in disputed elections. Gen Guéi was later deposed in a popular uprising led by Mr Gbagbo who was in opposition by that time.
On Tuesday afternoon, security forces loyal to Mr Gbagbo fired tear gas on thousands of opposition supporters in the central city of Tiébissou. According to an organiser of the gathering Béma Fofana they wanted “to celebrate the victory” of Ouattara “peacefully”. The supporters came from different cities of the northern part of the country held by the rebels. Several people were injured and some of Ouattara’s supporters were arrested, Béma Fofana added.
