Rupert Colville of the UN High Commissioner for Human rights has told the press “The human rights team [in] west Cote d’Ivoire found more than 100 bodies in the past 24 hours in 3 locations.” He went on to add that all of the killings are being considered to be ethnically motivated.

Liberian mercenaries have been blamed for some portion of the killings, with some victims set ablaze while others had been pushed down a well.

Earlier mass killings took place last week in Duekoue town and the death toll is estimated to have reached 800. The murders are thought to have come as a result of the town’s capture by troops loyal to Ouattara.

Forces loyal to new leader Alassane Outtara are also fighting in the main city of Abidjan, where Laurent Gbagbo is taking refuge. Gbagbo is refusing to step down after losing an election to Outtara last year.

Reported by Claire Blackthorne.

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