Heavy gunfire has been reported in Ivory Coast’s second largest city, Bouake, where soldiers launched an uprising on Friday over pay and bonuses.

Shooting has been heard near the main military camp.

The renegade soldiers have controlled the city since taking up positions at key entry points early on Friday. Access has also reportedly been blocked to four other cities in the country: Daloa, Daoukro, Korhogo and Odienne.

One member of the uprising said the gunfire was to deter government forces, after soldiers reported seeing suspicious movements outside the camp.

The army has sent reinforcements to Bouake but the government says it is prepared to listen to the soldiers’ grievances.