Ivory Coast's prime minister,Guillaume Soro Resigns

The man who serves as Ivory Coast's prime minister and defense minister has resigned along with his Cabinet in a procedural move to usher in a new government following parliamentary elections in December.

Guillaume Soro is a divisive figure in Ivory Coast. His rebel army helped toppled the country's strongman last year when the latter refused to cede power after losing a presidential election. Rights groups have issued numerous reports on the violations committed by Soro's fighters.

Soro told reporters Thursday: "I have just given, to the president, my resignation as prime minister (and) defense minister."Soro was elected to the national assembly in December's legislative elections and is rumored to be the top candidate to become the head of parliament