ABIDJAN: International sanctions against Ivory Coast strongman Laurent Gbagbo are beginning to bite with ordinary Ivorians feeling the pinch as the country's once-vibrant economy suffers. Banks and businesses are closed, petrol threatens to run dry and pay cheques are not arriving as the outside world tries to oust Gbagbo in favor of his rival Alassane Ouattara, deemed to have won November elections. The situation threatens unrest which may or may not bring a backlash against Gbagbo, who continues to hold the reins of power in Abidjan while Ouattara remains holed up in a seafront hotel under UN protection. – Agence France
