U.N.: Violence continues in Ivory Coast

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, June 10 (UPI) -- A United Nations official wants an investigation after reports of attacks by armed forces against supporters of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo.

The United Nations is "particularly concerned about the increase of violent incidents and attacks carried out by elements of the Republican Forces of Ivory Coast against several villages," Guillaume Ngefa, acting director of the Human Rights Division of the U.N. Mission in Ivory Coast, said at a news conference Thursday.

Ngefa wants a U.N. investigation of reports that troops loyal to President Allasane Ouattara attacked Gbagbo supporters.

Ngefa's comments Thursday follow a rebuke by International Federation of Human Rights President Souhayr Belhassen Tuesday. He said abuses were continuing in the West African county.

"The alleged perpetrators of these serious human rights violations must be identified, pursued and punished in accordance with the law," Ngefa said.

Ouattara was sworn in six months after an election crisis that left hundreds of people dead. Human rights investigators said last month they found 10 mass graves near the commercial capital of Abidjan.

At least two people were killed and dozens hurt in recent attacks in southern and western Ivory Coast, the report said.