(http://img.timeinc.net/time/daily/2011/1103/ivory_coast_0331.jpg) The stage is set for a final showdown in Ivory Coast after the army chief of staff abandoned strongman Laurent Gbagbo. General Philippe Mangou sought refuge with his family in the South African ambassador's home on the night of March 30. Mangou had ostensibly led the national army (known as the FDS) that has propped up Gbagbo for four months since he lost a November runoff election. Two other ranking officers defected as well. The defections come as forces loyal to Gbagbo's challenger, Alassane Ouattara — the internationally recognized winner of the elections — closed in on the main city of Abidjan.
Read more: Ivory Coast: Gbagbo's Last Stand as General Mangou Defects - TIME (http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2062421,00.html)