End is Near for Ivory Coast’s Gbagbo

Forces loyal to Gbagbo's political rival Alassane Ouattara are closing in on the disputed president’s home.

Laurent Gbagbo’s hold on power in the West African country appears to be slipping. Gbagbo has been clinging to the presidency since refusing to recognize the results of last November's election that most observers say was won by Ouattara. Sporadic fighting has erupted across the country in recent weeks, but in the past few days Ouattara’s forces have made significant gains and are now advancing on the presidential palace in Abidjan. Gbagbo’s chances of resisting the advance were dealt a huge blow Thursday when Gen. Phillipe Mangou, his military chief of staff, defected and sought refuge with his family in the South African embassy. Hundreds of Ivorians have been killed in fighting over the last four months.