Two Dead in Ivory Coast Clashes between Army, Locals

Clashes between soldiers and residents left two dead and three injured in southeastern Ivory Coast, the government said Wednesday.

Locals clashed with troops from the Republican Forces of Ivory Coast (FRCI) on Sunday and Monday "causing the death of two people and injuring three" in the village of Affery, said a statement from the council of ministers.

Affery is near the town of Akoupe, around 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the economic capital Abidjan.

Local media reported that the two people killed were civilians.

Police would be sent to replace troops in the area, the government said, adding that the situation was now calm.

Tensions have regularly flared in Affery and in regions home to supporters of ex-president Laurent Gbagbo, currently held in The Hague where he faces charges of war crimes.

A source that wished to remain anonymous said that locals in Affery were regularly forced to hand over money and goods to soldiers despite a government crackdown on corruption.