The new military chief, Colonel Philippe Mangou, directed air strikes on rebel strongholds early this month, shattering a fragile 18-month-old ceasefire in the divided west African country.

The offensive came to an abrupt halt November 6 after a government warplane attacked French peacekeepers manning the buffer zone between the south controlled by the government and the north held by the rebels, known as New Forces.

Nine French soldiers and an American agronomist were killed in the attack and more than 30 injured.

France retaliated by destroying the Ivorian air force on the ground, touching off anti-French mob violence by Gbagbo supporters and an exodus of foreign residents.

In appointing Mangou and in stating on French public radio that he intended to replace the destroyed planes, Gbagbo has "effectively given the green light" for the army to resume the offensive against the rebels, one diplomat said.

Describing Mangou as a strong personality determined to reunite the former French colony, the diplomat said his appointment signified a hardening of the government's attitude and a possible shake-up in the armed forces.

The French government brokered an agreement at Marcoussis, France, last year that calls for Gbagbo to hand some of his powers to a prime minister and accept New Forces ministers in the cabinet.

Mangou, described as a popular commander among his troops, replaced General Mathias Doue, who has held the job since 2000 and was moved to undisclosed "other functions," according to an announcement.

Gbagbo also appointed Colonel Mark Aka Kadio to command the air force. His first task is likely to be to find new aircraft to replace the Sukhoi 25 jets destroyed by France. They were bought from the former Soviet republic of Belarus.

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