The country has faced a violent political impasse since a presidential election last month, which was intended to heal the scars of a 2002-03 civil war but has instead ignited bloodshed between the rival camps.

The move adds to international pressure on Gbagbo to step down after the November 28 election, which the United Nations, the European Union, the United States, the African Union and West African regional bloc ECOWAS all say Ouattara won.

Provisional election results showed an Ouattara victory but the results were overturned by a court led by a Gbagbo ally.

ECOWAS has threatened to use force if Gbagbo does not quit. Three West African presidents are due to fly on Tuesday to Ivory Coast to convey the regional body's ultimatum.