Gallery: The Battle of Abidjan

The country has been in turmoil since the 28 November 2010 presidential polls, which most of the international community recognised as won by Ouattara.

Fierce fighting spread across Abidjan as Gbagbo troops fended off attacks by Ouattara forces.

Gbagbo forces fatally shot six women protesting his refusal to leave office in widespread protest actions across the city as the crisis deepens.

A general view of an empty street in Plateau, a business area of Abidjan, as clashes intesified across the city.

Ivorians have tried to carry on with their lives but the post-election conflict has made it difficult for them to do so.

According to the United Nations, violence has forced 116,00 people to flee the country, since it plunged into post-election crisis.

The brutal clashes have claimed hundreds of Ivorian lives.