Ivory Coast official accuses UN of killing officer

[February 26, 2011]  ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (AP) -- A military spokesman in Ivory Coast is accusing a U.N. peacekeeper of fatally shooting a police officer.

Col. Hilaire Gohourou, who is loyal to the incumbent leader who refuses to cede power in the volatile West African nation, made the allegation on state television late Friday. The report comes amid concerns that foreigners including U.N. personnel are coming under growing threat of attack in Ivory Coast. A notorious youth leader called Friday on citizens of Ivory Coast to barricade their neighborhoods and chase out foreigners. The U.N. says incumbent Laurent Gbagbo lost the November presidential election, and has been providing protection to his rival, Alassane Ouattara. [Associated Press] Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.