The African Union says it is sending former South African President Thabo Mbeki to Ivory Coast to help mediate the current political crisis.
Laurent Gbagbo and opposition candidate Alassane Ouattara have both sworn themselves in after claiming victory in a presidential run-off.
Mr Ouattara was initially declared the winner but the results was overturned in the incumbent's favour.
The AU has warned the crisis could have "incalculable consequences".
In a statement, the organisation rejected "any attempt to create a fait accompli to undermine the electoral process and the will of the people".
It called on all parties to "show the necessary restraint and to refrain from taking actions which will exacerbate an already fragile situation".
Several countries and international organisations - including the US, UN, France and the IMF - have backed Mr Ouattara as the true winner of last Sunday's run-off. BBC News
