Leaders from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Cape Verde and Kenya are heading to Ivory Coast today in an attempt to persuade Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo to cede power to longtime opposition leader Alassane Ouattara. Both Gbagbo and Ouattara have claimed victory in November’s disputed election. Ouattara has received the backing of the international community, including the Economic Community of West African States, which has threatened military action if Gbagbo does not agree to step aside. Military chiefs from the 15-nation bloc have reportedly met to begin strategizing what sort of assault they would use if talks fail. On Sunday, Gbagbo appeared on national television and accused Ouattara of staging a coup.

Laurent Gbagbo: “Let’s not kid ourselves. Let’s not let ourselves be abused by words. It’s about an attempted coup d’état brought in under the banner of 'international community.' This action is destined to bring in, by force if they need to, as the leader of this country a man who Ivorians didn’t choose by their votes — as my rival has lost in the presidential elections from November 28, 2010.”