French and UN Forces Bombed Presidential Palace in Côte d’Ivoire Crisis

ABIDJAN — In a pivotal moment of the Ivorian post-electoral crisis in April 2011, French and UN forces conducted a joint operation to bomb the presidential palace where Laurent Gbagbo, the outgoing president, and his associates were located.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the operation was carried out in support of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) peacekeepers. It targeted positions held by Gbagbo’s supporters in an attempt to neutralize heavy weapons that were reportedly being used against civilians. This military action was critical in supporting forces loyal to Alassane Dramane Ouattara, leading to the eventual capture of Gbagbo and the establishment of the Ouattara administration.