The leaders said they were “deeply saddened” by the “tragic loss of life” in fierce fighting triggered by incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo’s refusal to hand over power to Alassane Ouattara, winner of last November's presidential election and Ivory Coast’s internationally recognised President.

Despite being encircled in the presidential palace in Abidjan by forces loyal to Ouattara, Gbagbo has denied surrendering.

The Elders said Gbagbo must bear “primary responsibility” for the violence since November, they added that both Gbagbo and Ouattara must bear responsibility for the actions of forces under their control.

“They must demand an immediate end to the attacks on civilians and UN personnel,” the leaders said.

Ouattara has denied the involvement of his forces in a massacre of hundreds of civilians in the town of Duekoue.

Archbishop Tutu urged Ouattara to commit publicly to a process of accountability.

“His actions and words in the coming days are critical to the future of the Ivory Coast,” he said.

“The people need reconciliation, not retaliation. They need a leader who can bring peace and put the country back on the path to prosperity.

“He can do this by demonstrating that he will govern for all Ivorians, and is worthy of the trust placed in him through the elections.”

Fellow Elder and former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said: “The violence must stop and the atrocities and human rights abuses must be investigated.

“Those who perpetrated these terrible crimes, in Duekoue and elsewhere, must be held accountable.

“There is only one Ivory Coast and the leaders and the people must understand that. They have no option but to reconcile, heal and live together.

“This will be a difficult process, but the country needs to find a path to national unity.”