Thirty years ago, the Ivory Coast was a jewel of the African continent -- a vacation place for rich foreign travelers lured by wonderful beaches and political stability.
But that Ivory Coast is long gone. No better example of the country's failing fortunes over recent years is this week's confused election results, which have two men claiming they are the president, stoking worries that the country could be split in two.
Last week, the international community recognized opposition leader Alassane Ouattara (pictured above) as the winner of the presidential runoff election against incumbent Laurent Gbagbo (pictured below).
The problem is Gbagbo swore himself in for another term at the presidential palace, while Ouattara did the same at an undisclosed location.
Ouattara supporters -- based in the northern part of the country -- have threatened violence if Gbagbo doesn't give up power, but there is no sign that will happen anytime soon.
So what is the logical conclusion?
The Ivory Coast could have twin governments, with Ouattara claiming support from foreign governments and incumbent Gbagbo running the army and state media.
Ten years ago, the Ivory Coast was split into the rebel-controlled north and the government-run south after a civil war. Unless international mediators can get these so-called leaders to listen to reason, Ivory Coast could be headed for another round of split government.
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