Meanwhile, Elsewhere in Africa

The French are trying to help in the Ivory Coast, and have taken control of the major airport to keep foreigners safe.

French troops have taken over the airport in Ivory Coast's main city, Abidjan, the AFP news agency reports.

France has also sent an extra 300 soldiers to Ivory Coast, military spokesman Thierry Burkhard told AFP.

Fighting has raged in Abidjan since Thursday night as forces loyal to the UN-recognised president, Alassane Ouattara, are battling those of his rival, the incumbent Laurent Gbagbo.

More than 1,500 foreigners are sheltering in a French army camp.

They include about 700 French nationals, some 600 Lebanese citizens and 60 Europeans of assorted nationalities, French media report.

By: Brant