The rebel MPCI group has been training a special unit called 'Warriors of the Light'. They supposedly muster 1,000 soldiers, most of them traditional Dozo hunters from the north (and known for their "magical" power). 

The Ivory Coast's Ambassador to Iran described potential bilateral economic agreements as "favorable" and called for expansion of cooperation in various economic sectors. Considering that the northern rebels are primarily Muslims, this is an interesting development. - Adam Geibel