South Africa and Nigeria condemned the coup, calling for the restoration of President Bedie's government. The UK Government called for a restoration of consitutional rule and advised Britons not to travel to Ivory Coast. The ousted president sought refuge at the French embassy on Friday. A further 300 soldiers were sent from France to Dakar in Senegal to be prepared to intervene to protect French nationals. General Guei has appeared on national television several times to announce that he was in control and to promise respect for democratic rule.
Personal dialogue can always find the solution to every problem.
I will take care of everybody. You should not be worried. The nitwit who has proclaimed himself president of the republic has dissolved the National Assembly. This is unacceptable. President Henri Konan Bedie President Bedie had, on Friday, been defiantly asserting that he had not relinquished power.