Former South African President Thabo Mbeki arrived in Ivory Coast to help mediate a dispute over the result of the country's presidential election.
Incumbent Laurent Gbagbo was sworn in as the new Ivory Coast president yesterday, despite the electoral commission declaring his rival, Alassane Ouattara, as the winner of the election.
Despite allegations of widespread electoral fraud, the United Nations has certified the result of the poll.
Mr Mbeki has been sent to Abidjan by the African Union to try to settle the standoff between Mr Gbagbo and Mr Outtara, who are each claiming the presidency.
Mr Gbagbo has defied international calls for him to cede power after the UN recognised Mr Ouattara as the winner, raising fears of further violence in the country where at least 17 people have been killed since last week.
