Confusion rented the air in Ivory Coast’s second largest city, Bouake where disgruntled soldiers launched an uprising recently over salaries and bonuses.

Ceoafrica gathered that heavy gunfire erupted from soldiers early this morning near the main military camp in Ivory Coast's second largest city, Bouake, over salaries and bonuses, claims which were supported by a soldier and resident.

"The shooting is very heavy right now at the third Battalion. I'm nearby and I hear it like it was right next to us," a resident, Konan Benoit said.

The renegade soldiers have controlled the city of around a half million residents since taking up positions at key entry points early on Friday.

The army has sent reinforcements to Bouake but the defence minister, Alain- Richard Donwah said in a statement late on Friday that the government led by Allasane Quattara was prepared to listen to the soldiers' grievances.

It was not immediately clear what provoked the gunfire, but a member of the uprising said soldiers had seen what they considered suspicious movements outside the camp in Bouake.

"This is gunfire to discourage them," the unnamed soldier said.