French nationalists flee Ivory Coast

French nationals queued up for flights out of Ivory Coast today as the west African nation appeared on the brink of violent collapse.

Ethnic riots have broken out near the commercial capital Abidjan, where Ivorians with little hope of fleeing prepared for the worst: withdrawing their money from banks and bricking up shop windows.

Hundreds of people have died and thousands have been displaced by the war, which began with a failed coup attempt in late September.

“I saw a sign that said ‘Kill the French,’ and that’s worrying,” said Jean-Pierre Vivet, an aid worker from Paris, as he joined the scores waiting for Air France tickets at Abidjan’s international airport.

France said it is ready for a full-scale evacuation of its people if necessary, and is sending a further 130 paramilitary troops to Abidjan.