The Ivory Coast Civil War began in 2002 when a rebellion broke out against the government of Laurent Gbagbo. The conflict was fueled by political and ethnic tensions, particularly between the northern and southern regions of the country. The war led to a division of the country, with rebels controlling the north while the government held the south. The fighting continued until a peace agreement was reached in 2007, but tensions remained high. In 2010, a disputed presidential election reignited violence, leading to further conflict. The war officially ended in 2011 when Alassane Ouattara took power after a military intervention.