Reuters Copyright: Reuters Laurent Gbagbo has spent seven years behind bars Image caption: Laurent Gbagbo has spent seven years behind bars

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has set the terms of release of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo.

He will be freed on the condition that he is accepted by a country willing to co-operate in enforcing any future decisions made by the ICC.

So it is not clear if the politician, who was acquitted by the war crimes court, can go home after his seven years behind bars.

These conditions may include returning him to The Hague in the event of a retrial.

The prosecutor has said she will lodge an appeal, meaning Mr Gbagbo could be called back in court.

He had been charged with crimes against humanity in connection with violence following a disputed 2010 election that left 3,000 dead and 500,000 displaced.

The conflict pitted forces loyal to him against those backing current President Alassane Ouattara.

Mr Ouattara's government has pardoned 800 people in an attempt to reconcile the country.

But two weeks ago after Mr Gbagbo was acquitted of crimes against humanity.

After Mr Gbabo's acquittal more than 50 of his allies, who had been in exile for eight years, began returning to the capital this week.