As United Nations and French forces move in on Ivory Coast strongman Laurent Gbagbo, the World Evangelical Alliance is calling upon Christians to pray for the country “during this extremely difficult time”.

The organisation, which represents 600 million evangelicals around the world, said it was “deeply concerned” by the violence, loss of life and humanitarian crisis.

In a statement, it called for the cessation of hostilities and the protection of all civilians caught up in the conflict.

It urged the “orderly” transition of political power in respect of the outcome of the recent presidential election.

Incumbent Gbagbo has been clinging to power since the election last November, won by his rival Alassane Ouattara. The international community recognises Ouattara as the president of the Ivory Coast.

Fighting between forces loyal to Gbagbo and those loyal to Ouattara has triggered a humanitarian crisis, with up to a quarter million refugees fleeing from the country.

Ouattara has denied the involvement of his forces in the massacre of hundreds of civilians in the western town of Duékoué. The mass killing has prompted thousands of people to seek refuge in a church compound.

The WEA called for the perpetrators of atrocities committed since the election to be held accountable and brought to justice.

Secretary General, Dr Geoff Tunnicliffe, said: “For the sake of an entire generation of children at risk in the Ivory Coast, I urge immediate action in response to this tragic situation.”

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