In pictures: Peace in Ivory Coast

Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo (R) greeted African leaders including South Africa's Thabo Mbeki (second right) amid tight security at Bouake airport in northern Ivory Coast on Monday.

The day, which was dubbed the peace flame ceremony, marked a public rapprochement for former foes, Prime Minister Guillaume Soro (L) and Mr Gbagbo (R).

Former rebels from the New Forces group, who had controlled much of the Ivory Coast's north for the past five years, handed in a pile of guns to be destroyed at the ceremony.

The "flame of peace", which will be carried to all 19 regions of Ivory Coast to symbolise the country's reunification, was used to set the weapons alight.

The destruction of the guns was meant to signify the cessation of hostilities between the New Forces rebels and government troops.

On Sunday, supporters of the president, known as the Young Patriots, had difficulties getting from the country's largest city, Abidjan, to Bouake and were dispersed by riot police.

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