In November 2010, the Ivory Coast held the country’s first democratic election between President Laurent Gbagbo and rival Alassane Ouattara.

The United Nations, the European Union, and the African Union verified that Ouattara won the election with 54% of the votes; however, Gbagbo is refusing to step down, saying that Ouattara’s supporters rigged the vote in his favor.

The disputed election results has produced a political standoff and an escalation of violence, leaving 200 people dead and 25,000 fleeing to Liberia, reports the BBC.

Since the disputed election, supporters of Ouattara were subjected to nightly raids by Gbagbo’s followers. Citizens living in pro-Ouattara neighborhoods have been shot, killed or kidnapped by allies of Gbagbo, including security forces and militias, reports The New York Times. Ouattara is under protection at a hotel in Abidjan, while Gbagbo’s forces surround the hotel, according to the BBC.

The country has been split into two parts since a civil war ravaged the country in 2002-2003. Because of its flourishing cocoa production, living standards in the Ivory Coast exceeded that of its neighbors. As a result, people from poorer countries moved there to earn a living—including Ouattara’s parents, who came from Burkina Faso, according to the BBC.

Alternative solutions to the violent standoff are being sought after.

“I think it’s really unfortunate that there aren’t more reports looking at what the potential might be for (nonviolent) social movements (in the Ivory Coast),” said Vernie Davis, professor and director of Peace and Conflict Studies and director of the Conflict Resource Center. “In the Philippines (in February 1986) … there was a non-violent social movement that actually took to the streets, and blocked the military (so they wouldn’t) be able to follow the orders of President Marcos. The military ended up supporting the popular movement that took place.”

As of now there have been no reports of (nonviolent) solutions, although a compromise has been discussed, says CNN.

Ouattara has offered to form a unity government by adding supporters of Gbagbo to his cabinet, providing that he (Gbagbo) steps down and recognizes Ouattara as president, a report by CNN confirms.

Gbagbo has refused any such offers.

“One of the things you see frequently occurring is other governments offering an out for the person,” said Davis.

Many countries, including the U.S., have offered Gbagbo a “dignified exit,” allowing him to move and work in those countries. Ouattara has said that he will ensure protection for Gbagbo if he accepts the election results. Gbagbo has ignored all offers and will not accept calls from U.S. Officials, says CNN.

Gbagbo’s refusal to step down may have several different repercussions.

“Externally, there are more likely to be economic sanctions, and to some extent you could say diplomatic sanctions could come into play,” said Davis.

The U.S. Treasury has frozen Gbagbo’s assets and the West African Bank has blocked Gbagbo’s access to his Ivory Coast funds, according to the BBC.

With Gbagbo unable to access his funds, the economic sanctions may end the crisis that negotiations could not.