President Robert Guei claimed victory, but was then forced by popular protest to flee.

ECONOMIST: Guei outed

In 2002, there were attempts by the president, Mr Ouattara and the former military leader, Robert Guei to calm things down but this had little effect.

BBC: Central Abidjan

Abidjan errupted in two rounds of violence, the first on 24 October after former military leader General Robert Guei tried to stop the counting of votes in the presidential election he had called.

BBC: Unconscious Ouattara supporter

Robert Guei still commanded the loyalty of some sections of the army, particularly those recruited during his period in power - some of whom were thought by journalists in Abidjan to be involved in Thursday's fighting.

BBC: Central Abidjan