Cote d’Ivoire: A test of democracy

Laurent Gbagbo is clinging to power despite growing pressure from fellow African leaders, and the threat of military intervention.

It is now one month since Cote d’Ivoire held its disputed presidential election.

Several international bodies such as the UN, the AU and the west african bloc ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) have recognised opposition leader Allasane Outtara as the winner of that election, but Gbagbo is backed by the constitutional court and refuses to step down.

The stand-off between the two men and their supporters has brought tension and violence to the country, with many fearing a return to civil war. More than 170 people have died already in post-election unrest.

In the latest attempt to avoid more bloodshed, three African leaders from ECOWAS have been meeting with Gbagbo to persuade him to step down.

Is democracy failing in Africa? What does this mean for the people of Cote d’Ivoire? And who can end the country’s political crisis?

Joining the programme are Patrick Wilmot, an African affairs writer and commentator, Veronique Tadjo, a prominent Ivorian writer, novelist, poet and artist, and Michael Amoah, a political analyst.

This episode of Inside Story aired from Wednesday, December 29, 2010.