Here's another fine example of absolutely horrible journalism from the "liberal" Guardian. This piece claims that Gbagbo's partisans are mercenaries, if so, who's paying them? It ends with Kofi Annan, who met with Gbagbo after he was captured, saying the deposed leader was not disputing his rival's claim to the presidency. Since when? Didn't they just have a civil war over this very issue? If it's true that Gbagbo has capitulated while in captivity, one might wonder as to the exact circumstances of the transformation.
I have been working on a longer piece about the war in Cote d'Ivoire. Like most Westerners, I knew very little about the history of that country. My interest was piqued by the universal criticism of Gbagbo in the international media; how could it be that he had so much support within the country and none abroad. Once Sarkozy began to denounce him I knew that Gbagbo had to be doing something right. Equipped with a library card, an internet connection, and so-so French skills, I undertook a little research. From what I've learned I can tell you that the Guardian's article is entirely misleading.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/04/ivory-coast-gbagbo-militia-fight-on?CMP=twt_fd
