The US government announced new sanctions Thursday against "former" Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo, his wife and other top associates, dpa reported.
The Treasury Department sanctions freeze any assets under US jurisdiction belonging to Gbagbo and the other individuals, and prohibits US citizens from doing business with them.
Laurent Gbagbo continues to demonstrate wanton disregard for the will and well-being of the people of the Ivory Coast," Treasury Department director of foreign assets control said in a statement.
Todays designations will isolate him and his inner circle from the worlds financial system and underscore the desire of the international community that he step down," he said.
The Treasury Department referred to him as the "former" president if Ivory Coast.
Gbagbo has refused to acknowledge defeat in a November election in which Alassane Ouattara was internationally recognized as the victor. The United States, European Union and United Nations have stated that Ouattara was the winner.
Gbagbo has refused to leave office in a move that has sparked violence resulting in the deaths of nearly 200 people in the West African nation.
The United States and European Union had previously enacted travel bans on Gbagbo, his family and top officials and aides.