The United Nations Security Council has demanded an immediate end to the escalating violence in Ivory Coast and imposed sanctions on Laurent Gbagbo, who has refused to relinquish the presidency, and his inner circle.

FRENCH armoured vehicles took up positions near the home of Ivory Coast’s president yesterday, and thousands of his supporters marched on the site, fearing an attempt to oust him as France clamped down on violence in its former West African colony.

French tanks were taking up positions at the home of Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo today, and his supporters feared an attempt to overthrow him.

MACHETE-waving mobs looted and burned in Ivory Coast’s largest cities yesterday.

Machete-waving mobs went on the rampage in Ivory Coast’s largest cities today after a day of sudden ground and air clashes between forces of France and its former colony.