AFRICA/CÔTE-D'IVOIRE - Violent fighting continues in Yopougon, in the municipality of Abidjan, Gbagbo's stronghold

Abidjan (Agenzia Fides) – Violent clashes continue in the economic and administrative capital of of Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, between the forces loyal to outgoing President, Laurent Gbagbo, and the supporters of President-elect, Alassane Ouattara. “From 6.00 am this morning shots could be heard, even from heavy artillery, coming from Yopougon and other districts of Abidjan,” a source from the local Church tells Fides, who for security reasons wishes to remain anonymous. “We are extremely worried, because now the fights are spreading beyond the area of Abobo, where the violent clashes that were reported yesterday are still going on today,” said our source. “Abobo is considered Ouattara's stronghold, and Yopougon, rather, is the stronghold of Gbagbo.” Yopougon is the most densely populated area in Abidjan. Situated in the west of northern Abidjan, it has an area of 153 sq. km and a population of about one million inhabitants. Its territory is divided into 12 villages and 28 districts. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 14/3/2011)