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Supporters of former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo on Monday alleged that their interests had been targets of attacks in the country.
Mr Michel N’Guessan, a leader of the former president’s party, told newsmen in Abidjan on Monday that unknown gunmen ransacked a newspaper building perceived to be sympathetic to Gbagboand attempted to burn it.
He alleged further that the shoeprints on the scenes of the attacks and investigations conducted so far showed that the attackers could be security men and called for international protection.
“The insecurity in Cote d’Ivoire has reached a frightening dimension and we seek protection from the international community.
“There are continuous attacks on Gbagbo supporters and interests. We need to be protected because the intention is to wipe out the opposition from Cote d’Ivoire,’’ N’Guessan said.?
He also alleged that many civilians in the country had guns that were shared during the Ivorian political crisis, fearing a breakdown of law and order.
But Hammed Bakayoko, the Interior Minister of President Alassane Ouattara, said that the attacks in the country were perpetuated by Gbagbo supporters.
The minister said that some people had been arrested in connection with the attacks. (NAN)