Former Ivorian rebel leader asks army to intervene

An exiled former rebel leader and prime minister, Guillaume Soro, has urged Ivory Coast's army to intervene following Saturday's disputed presidential election.

Mr Soro issued a statement on social media calling on troops to restore constitutional order.

He was barred from contesting in the election because of a conviction earlier this year for corruption.

The Ivorian opposition boycotted the election, allowing President Alassane Ouattara to win a third term with more than 90% of the vote.

There are fears the disputed election could to plunge the country into violence.

Security forces have already surrounded the homes of the two main opposition candidates Henri Konan Bédié and Pascal Affi N'Guessan.

The duo had announced the creation of a rival administration.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: Reuters