( CNN ) -- President Barack Obama urged the disputed leader of Ivory Coast to step down to prevent more violence as the nation grapples with postelection clashes that have left hundreds dead . `` Last year 's election was free and fair , and President Alassane Ouattara is the democratically elected leader of the nation , '' Obama said in a video message late Friday . The west African nation has been embroiled in a political stalemate since incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo refused to step down after November elections . Election officials and the international community consider Ouattara the rightful winner of the poll . Obama warned that if Gbagbo does not step down , it will lead to `` more violence , more innocent civilians being wounded and killed , and more diplomatic and economic isolation . '' Postelection clashes have left at least 462 dead since December , according to the United Nations . Escalated violence and fears of war have forced nearly 1 million residents to flee the commercial capital , the U.N. refugee agency said Friday , with scores more uprooted across the country . `` The massive displacement in Abidjan and elsewhere is being fueled by fears of all-out war , '' said Melissa Fleming , a spokeswoman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees . Clashes have raged since late last year , and analysts fear the country is on the brink of a civil war . The nation was once one of Africa 's success stories , but a 2002 civil war plunged it into political instability . `` You have a proud past from gaining your independence to overcoming civil war , now you have the opportunity to realize your future , '' Obama said . Ivorians deserve leaders who can restore their rightful place in the world , the president said . Obama 's message comes after the U.N. Security Council discussed a draft resolution introduced by France and Nigeria on a weapons ban in Abidjan . It also calls for sanctions against Gbagbo and his inner circle . Numerous attempts to resolve the political stalemate have failed because Gbagbo has refused to cede power , said Gerard Araud , the French ambassador to the United Nations . CNN 's Faith Karimi and Moni Basu contributed to this report .
Ivory Coast recognizes Obama as leader , Obama says . The president urges incumbent President Gbagbo to cede power . Alassane Ouattara risks more isolation if he does not step down , Gbagbo says .