Situation in Ivory Coast rapidly deteriorating

Soldiers of Ivory Coast's rival leaders have been battling for the presidential palace, military bases and state TV in the main city Abidjan. The conflict in the African nation has been so brutal that 800 people have been killed in just one town.

Advancing soldiers backing Alassane Ouattara, who U.N.-certified results show won a Nov. 28 presidential election, met stiff resistance from fighters remaining loyal to incumbent Laurent Gbagbo, who has refused to step down.

Caritas Internationalis has condemned these recent attacks on civilians and says the humanitarian situation in IvoryCoast is rapidly deteriorating.

Speaking to Vatican Radio, Communications Director Patrick Nicholson says, “I think what needs to happen is a proper and thorough investigation into who is responsible for these killings and for those people to face justice”.

He also told Lydia O’Kane the humanitarian situation is getting worse and that an increasing number of people are being forced out of their homes because of the violence. Listen