Negotiations between the Patriotic Movement of the Ivory Coast (MPCI) and the government have stalled, because the MPCI delegation did not appreciate the rebels' proposals being leaked to an Ivorian newspaper. West African mediators handed both delegations in nearby Togo a fresh draft peace plan on the 21st.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) launched a $16 million appeal in a bid to avert a possible humanitarian crisis. The money would cover basic requirements such as shelter, water, sanitation, food, health, education and protection over the next three months.

The threat of more fighting remains, since both sides have been rearming during the impasse in the Togo talks. - Adam Geibel