Riots are causing thousands of people to evacuate the Ivory Coast, which is in Northwestern Africa, as the French military attempts to gain control in its former territory.

The French military has evacuated over 4,000 foreigners who were in the Ivory Coast. Another 1,000 foreigners have evacuated the Ivory Coast by other means. U.S. Marines were standing by to make sure that the French civilians were able to evacuate safely.

The Netherlands has also closed its embassy and evacuated all but 20 citizens from the Ivory Coast, who remained on their own free will.

Over 10,000 Ivorians have left the country to find peace from the violence. This evacuation is the largest mass exodus in over a decade in Africa.

The riots are occurring as part of a civil war that has lasted for over two years. Many rebels oppose the young government of the Ivory Coast. Also, many small tribes oppose the ethnic groups that rule the current government.

Hospitals are filling up fast with injuries from the mobs totaling over 250 on November 8 alone.

Armored vehicles surrounded President Laurent Gbagbo's home. Presidential spokesman Desire Targo told the Associated Press, "Their presence is scaring people. They're crying and they think that President Gbagbo is going to be overthrown."

Gbagbo feels that other groups do not have the power or leadership to control the country. Opponents question whether Gbagbo is really controlling the country in a safe manner.

Most of the riots express the strong anti-French sentiment in the Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast used to be a territory belonging to the French until it gained its independence in 1960. Until 1993, the country was ruled by President Houphuet-Boigny who had been the leader since the Ivory Coast had gained its independence from France. The current violence is not expected to end anytime soon.