Former Ivoirian President Laurent Gbagbo spent first night in Cote d’Ivoire after eight years in The Hague.

The former President returned to Abidjan Thursday to a rousing welcome by supporters and sympathizers.

The return of the former president followed his acquittal of crimes against humanity charges levelled against him by the International Criminal Court sitting in The Hague.

Gbagbo faced trial for his role in the 2010-2011 post-election violence that left more than 3,000 people dead.

He had lost the election but refused to cede power, sparking the deadly violence.