The political crisis in Ivory Coast has plunged the West African nation back into civil war. Since last November, Ivory Coast strongman Laurent Gbagbo has refused to accept that he lost the presidential election to his rival, Alessane Ouattara. Forces loyal to each have been fighting ever since.

This week, with the aid of French and U.N. forces, Ouattara’s troops have cornered Gbagbo at his heavily-guarded residence in Abidjan. An end to the four month crisis appears close.

Richard Downie, deputy director of the Africa program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, discusses what’s next for Ivory Coast.