5 April 2011 Last updated at 08:54

In pictures: Battle for Abidjan

Soldier loyal to Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan (4 April 2011)

Forces loyal to the internationally recognised president of Ivory Coast, Alassane Ouattara, have made significant advances in the country's main city, Abidjan, in an effort to oust the incumbent, Laurent Gbagbo, who refuses to step down.

Flames at a camp of soldiers loyal to Laurent Gbagbo

Overnight Mr Ouattara's forces said they had seized control of Mr Gbagbo's residence, as well as attacking camps for his troops (pictured here), and were looking for Mr Gbagbo himself.

Fighters loyal to Alassane Ouattara rest on the outskirts of Abidjan

Earlier, Mr Ouattara's forces massed on the outskirts of Abidjan, poised for a "final push" against Mr Gbagbo, who has refused for several months to leave office.

Fighter loyal to Alassane Ouattara displays traditional hunters' charms. 4 April 2011

Witnesses say the city remains tense and UN employees have been ordered to take refuge. This pro-Ouattara fighter is adorned with traditional hunters charms.

Pro-Ouattara soldiers swept into Abidjan last week, having taken control of almost all of the country.

Fighter loyal to Alassane Ouattara near Abidjan. 4 April 2011

The UN estimates as many as 50,000 members of Mr Gbagbo's security forces deserted or defected in the hours after pro-Ouattara troops arrived.

Residents pass pro-Gbagbo soldiers. 3 April 2011

Residents in Abidjan barricaded themselves inside their homes or trying to flee to safety as the city awaited the expected final battle.

French troops patrol near Abidjan airport on 2 April 2011

French troops have secured Abidjan airport so commercial flights can evacuate foreign citizens. However, pro-Gbagbo supporters says they are an "occupying force".

Pro-Gbagbo youth militia in the central Plateau neighbourhood of Abidjan, 2 April

Both sides are also backed by militia fighters - including mercenaries from neighbouring Liberia - who have resorted to widespread looting. Pro-Gbagbo militiamen are seen here walking through the streets of Plateau, a central neighbourhood of Abidjan.

Pro-Ouattara forces wait behind an injured man in Abidjan, 2 April

This man is one of hundreds wounded and killed in the fighting. It is unclear if Mr Ouattara's soldiers - standing by - were responsible for his injuries.

Picture taken on 29 March 2011 shows damaged houses in Duekoue, in western Ivory Coast, following clashed between forces loyal to internationally recognised Ivory Coast president Alassane Ouattara and his rival"s troops.

In the western city of Duekoue, up to 1,000 people were killed as Mr Ouattara's forces arrived in the area. The UN and Red Cross accuse both sides of mass killings.

Africa

In pictures: Battle for Abidjan

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