At least six women were shot dead by security forces in Ivory Coast’s city of Abidjan yesterday, the British  Independent reported. The demonstrators were protesting against incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo who is refusing to step down.

The experts say the country is at the edge of civil war amid violence which broke out after the November election. Alassane Ouattara was internationally recognized winner of the poll. According to the United Nations, the death toll reached 365.

The political crisis affected export of cocoa beans as well. The price for cocoa beans has increased dramatically since export ban was imposed by Ouattara.