ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Facing mounting pressure to cede Ivory Coast's presidency and an impending general strike, incumbent Laurent Gbagbo says he might consider power sharing.
In an interview with al-Jazeera Sunday, Gbagbo said that while he doesn't think power-sharing would be a good solution "maybe we would do it."
He'd rather, he said, that "we discover the truth about who won the election, and once we determine who won, then we give him power."
The United Nations and the leaders of many nations in Africa and worldwide have recognized his opponent, Alassane Ouattara, as the legitimate winner of last month's election.
Gbagbo said his administration has "nothing to hide" when it comes to human rights issues. He said many police officers and other Ivorians have been "killed by guns, machetes and by knives."
"On this issue, a normal state will seek the truth. So we will investigate the matter," he said. "If the U.N. wants to join us to strengthen the investigation team I am going to put in place starting Monday, I fully support that. I have no problem with that."
The (Toronto) Globe and Mail reported Sunday this week could prove pivotal, what with the planned general strike Monday, the potential for violence with a pro-government rally Wednesday, the ratcheting up of pressure by African leaders and the threat of foreign military intervention.
Ouattara's party has called for a general strike in an attempt to shut down Ivory Coast's economy, making it harder for Gbagbo to retain control.
Gbagbo ally Charles Ble Goude has called for a patriotic march Wednesday in a show of power, the newspaper said.
The presidents of Benin, Cape Verde and Sierra Leone are expected to arrive in Abidjan Tuesday to present an Economic Community of West African States ultimatum to Gbagbo, The Globe and Mail said.
"The three presidents can fly back with Mr. Gbagbo," an ECOWAS statement said, "as all ECOWAS countries are prepared to grant him asylum."
