Sounds from parts of Ivory Coast as supporters of former President Laurent Gbagbo celebrate ahead of his expected return today. The General Secretary of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) Assoa Adou announced the date of Gbagbo’s homecoming on Monday, in front of a crowd that had come to celebrate the former president’s birthday in Abidjan

The former head of state returns today following his acquittal on charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The ICC confirmed in March that Gbagbo and his aide Charles Ble Goude were in the clear over the devastating post-electoral violence that rocked the West African nation in 2010 and 2011.

More than 3,000 people were killed in months of fighting after the 2010 election when Gbagbo disputed the results of the vote won by current President Alassane Ouattara and refused to stand down.

While victims of the post-election violence are sceptical about the return of Gbagbo, his supporters say the return will allow for reconciliation.