African leaders arrive to settle election dispute

Ivorian troops killed at least six protesters calling on Laurent Gbagbo to step down as leader yesterday, witnesses said, as African presidents charged with resolving Ivory Coast's crisis arrived in Abidjan.

A dispute over the presidential election in November has paralysed the country and led to the deaths of about 300 people.

The election, meant to bring stability after a decade of economic and political stagnation in the world's biggest cocoa-producing country, has instead left it as divided as ever and its economy in disarray.

Alassane Ouattara is widely recognised as the victor, but Mr Gbagbo has refused to cede power. A source who had access to preparatory talks said the African panel would insist that Mr Gbagbo stand down, in return for guarantees, to allow Mr Ouattara to take charge in accordance with UN-certified results.