Ivory Coast youths grouped early today near the French and US embassies in Abidjan for a fourth day of protests against a French-brokered peace deal that gives rebels key positions in a new government.
A witness said some 100 youths gathered at an intersection near the two embassies, which are only about a hundred metres apart.
Police have barricaded the entrance to the French embassy - the scene of violent and long protests over the past two days - and a French military helicopter has brought in troops to the complex.
The "Young Patriots" movement, which backs President Laurent Gbagbo, has spearheaded often violent protests against former colonial ruler France since Saturday, when Mr Gbagbo approved a French-brokered deal to end his country's four-month civil war and appointed a new prime minister to head a government of national unity.
The protesters say the French deal is humiliating because it diminishes Mr Gbagbo's powers.
The deal also sets up a national unity government, led by a consensus prime minister, in which rebels have a foothold, with two of their number named to the key defence and interior ministries.
Over the past two days, protesters have attacked the French embassy, schools, the Air France office, businesses and some French homes over the accord.
AFP