How did the Central Bank of West African States pressure Laurent Gbagbo’s administration?

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Alassane Ouattara Ivoirian Pres. Alassane Ouattara addresses the United Nations General Assembly, New York City, September 25, 2013.

During the 2010–2011 political standoff in Côte d’Ivoire, the Central Bank of the States of West Africa (BCEAO) exerted financial pressure on Laurent Gbagbo’s administration by officially recognizing Alassane Ouattara as the legitimate president.12

By granting this recognition, the BCEAO denied Gbagbo’s administration access to the country’s accounts, which it held. Although this policy was not immediately effective—allowing Gbagbo to withdraw funds for a period—the administration eventually faced significant financial constraints. In response to these measures, Gbagbo deployed forces to seize regional branches of the BCEAO in an attempt to maintain their operations for his own purposes.12