It is a fact that the Ivory Coast government sought support from the French at the start of the rebel uprising.
The French have maintained a military presence and agreements with the Ivory Coast since the countries independence.
Along with reluctantly supplying additional military aid they also took up a peace keeping and negotiating roll again at the request of the Ivory Coast government.
The reason government supporters are now protesting against the French is that in their view the government have been forced in to a peace deal by the French that gives to many concessions to the rebels - they appear to want no concessions given at all and the rebels crushed with French military assistance .
This is why they are protesting and wanting the French to leave and the US to come in - They should be careful what they wish for.
