Gunshots rang out inside a military base in an upscale neighbourhood of Abidjan today in the latest bout of unrest following a mutiny by troops in the north over wages.
"Shots were heard here in Abidjan at the Akouedo military base," a newsflash on national television said, referring to a camp in the northern sector of the city, which is Ivory Coast's economic capital.
Troops closed off a large junction near the Akouedo base, leaving all roads leading to the camp gridlocked with traffic and hampering access to several neighbouring districts, witnesses and an AFP correspondent said.
"Soldiers shut down the junction in front of the new camp. We have been forced to taken another route because of all the traffic jams," said one young woman sitting at the wheel of her car.
The wave of unrest erupted early on Friday in Bouake, Ivory Coast's second city, where disgruntled troops seized control, firing heavy weapons in the streets, and attacking police posts as they pressed their demand for a hefty pay rise.
The protests have quickly spread to other areas, including the western city of Man, with the defence minister flying to Bouake to try and defuse the crisis.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
