Hundreds of French and West African troops have been sent to Ivory Coast’s “Wild West” to end recent fighting. Two convoys of French armoured vehicles stretched for more than 10km as they headed for the region, reports the Reuters news agency. On Thursday, the government of national unity met in the rebel stronghold of Bouake for the first time. Ivory Coast remains divided between the rebel-held north and west and the south, which is under the control of forces loyal to President Laurent Gbagbo despite the power-sharing government. The largest rebel group – the Patriotic Movement of Ivory Coast (MPCI) who are yet to disarm – now prefer to be called the new forces. The deployment follows a recent “full” ceasefire bringing western rebel groups into the peace agreement. Full Story