In pictures: Day of protest

1 of 6 Troops man the streets of the Ivory Coast's main city, Abidjan, after opposition demonstrators defied a ban to march against the President, Laurent Gbagbo.

2 of 6 Soldiers search a car in Abidjan at gunpoint. At least 25 people died in violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces.

3 of 6 Abidjan residents cover up the body of one those killed by gunfire. At least two policemen were among the dead.

4 of 6 Tyres were placed in the middle of the street and set alight to hamper the movement of troops.

5 of 6 By evening, the city was calm and the streets were empty as demonstrators heeded opposition calls to avoid further provocation.

6 of 6 A helicopter circles above Abidjan skyscrapers. The rebels who had formed part of the power-sharing government have pulled out in protest at Thursday's violence.