The high-profile trial of former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo opened Thursday five years after post-election violence wracked his nation, with supporters and foes aiming to shed light on turmoil that left 3,000 dead.

The fallen west African strongman appeared before the International Criminal Court, alongside his co-accused former militia leader Charles Ble Goude, looking relaxed and shaking hands with his defence team. Both are due to enter pleas on four charges of crimes against humanity.