African Union reinstates Ivory Coast

By the CNN Wire Staff

African Union officials urged Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara (pictured) to help promote national reconciliation.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The African Union says it has lifted all sanctions
The move comes after the nation ends a political standoff

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(CNN) -- The African Union has lifted the suspension it imposed on Ivory Coast after the nation's former leader refused to cede power following the presidential election last year.

During a meeting of its peace and security council Thursday, the body said it has lifted all sanctions in light of President Alassane Ouattara's assumption of power.

"The democratically-elected president ... now assumes state power, marking the end of the post-election crisis," the African Union said.

The West African nation recently ended a political stalemate, which started in December following former President Laurent Gbagbo's refusal to step down after he lost elections.

Escalated violence and fears of war forced nearly 1 million residents to flee the main city of Abidjan, aid groups said. The standoff left hundreds dead.

African Union officials urged the president to help promote national reconciliation and boost socio-economic recovery.

The African Union is made up of more than 50 countries in the continent.