The Ivory Coast crisis took a disturbing new turn Sunday after Laurent Gbagbo, clinging defiantly to power after disputed polls, accused foreign envoys of seeking to turn the military against him.
Gbagbo has become locked in a dangerous face-off with long-time enemy Alassane Ouattara after both claimed victory in last month's presidential election, declared themselves president and named rival governments.
Ouattara has been recognised by the United Nations and the international community, but Gbagbo retains control of the Ivorian army and the country's main cocoa-exporting harbours, which are key to his ability to rule.
On Saturday, Gbagbo's newly named "interior minister" accused un-identified foreign diplomats of trying to suborn senior military officers, and threatened unspecified reprisals against international interference.
"For several days, civil and military members of certain Western chancelleries in Abidjan have discreetly approached senior officers in our national army," Emile Guirieoulou alleged.
He warned that Gbagbo's government "will no longer tolerate meddling by any diplomat in the internal affairs of the state of Ivory Coast".
The United Nations has ordered 460 non-essential staff out of the country and France is drawing up plans to evacuate thousands of its nationals from its former colony if needed.
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