WASHINGTON: The United States issued a new Ivory Coast travel warning for its nationals on Tuesday saying the situation on the ground presented "real and present danger."
"Lawlessness, food shortages, and the banking crisis represent real and present danger to US citizens in a country where power is still in the process of changing hands," the department said in a renewed warning against travel to the West African nation where its strongman Laurent Gbagbo, who refuses to accept defeat in November elections, is clinging to power.
Gbagbo was elected in 2000 and postponed polls due in 2005 before allowing them to go ahead last year, only to reject the ruling of the election authority that he had lost to long-time rival Alassane Ouattara.
Cornered by rival forces, Gbagbo hunkered down at his home on Tuesday trying to negotiate an exit deal as France denied he had already surrendered.
As negotiations continued to end a four month post-election stand-off that has plunged the country into war, Gbagbo rejected the former colonial power's demand that he recognize Ouattara as president.
"The Department of State continues to warn US citizens against traveling to Cote d'Ivoire.
In early April conflict between loyalists and opponents of the international recognized President, Alassane Ouattara, escalated," its warning reads in part.
"Full transfer of power to President Ouattara may not be immediate.
US citizens should watch the situation carefully and pay close attention to their personal security," the statement added.
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