African leaders back Ouattara

A REGIONAL bloc of West African nations last night called on the United Nations Security Council to take immediate steps to force out Ivory Coast's entrenched leader, Laurent Gbagbo.

By The Newsroom

Published 24th Mar 2011, 14:40 BST

Updated 24th Mar 2011, 21:23 BST

The Economic Community of West African States described the situation in Ivory Coast as a "humanitarian emergency" caused by Mr Gbagbo's refusal to leave office despite losing an election.

Ecowas said it wants the UN to oversee the immediate transfer of power to Alassane Ouattara.

Mounting violence has claimed 460 lives since the 28 November election.