Ouattara orders cocoa exports halt

ABIDJAN, Jan 24 – Ivory Coast\’s internationally recognised leader Alassane Ouattara on Monday ordered a one-month halt to exports of cocoa and coffee, a statement said.

The government of the world\’s top cocoa producer "informs economic operators of the immediate stoppage of all exports of coffee and cocoa" starting Monday until February 23, the statement from his office said.

Producers and exporters who violate the ban will be considered to be "financing the illegitimate regime" of Laurent Gbagbo, who has refused to step down from the presidency in the aftermath of his contest against Outtara in November presidential elections, the statement added.