Political parties loyal to Ivory Coast presidential claimant Alassane Ouattara have called a general strike across the country from Monday to force the incumbent president to cede power.
Our correspondent John James says the strike is not being widely observed so far in Abidjan, the biggest city.
Laurent Gbagbo has refused to step aside following November's disputed election which he insists was rigged.
Mr Ouattara has been recognised internationally as the victor.
Regional West African grouping Ecowas has warned it may use "legitimate force" to remove Mr Gbagbo.
He accused the US and France of leading a plot against him. BBC News
