Rebels in northern Cote d'Ivoire have pledged to continue their fight to oust President Laurent Gbagbo. Meanwhile, African leaders are scrambling to find a plan to prevent all-out war in the world's top cocoa grower.

Gbagbo vowed to rebuild his air force, largely destroyed by former colonial power France earlier this month. Gbagbo has also installed a tough new army chief. Rebel commander Bouake Cherif Ousmane said the Ivorian army had become nothing more than a militia. He said it was impossible to negotiate with its new leader, China Radio International reported Thursday.

The rebels took control of the north, after failing to oust Gbagbo in 2002.

Gbagbo's forces started bombing the stronghold two weeks ago, thus breaking an 18-month truce. African leaders are concerned renewed conflict could destabilize all of West Africa.

Source: CCTV.com