Authorities in Ivory Coast have reopened the country's main prison in Abidjan after it was closed for months because of a mass prison break.

Officials say Tuesday's reopening is a step toward security and normalcy after the country's post-election conflict. Sixteen inmates were transferred to the prison from a military camp.

As Ivory Coast's violence reached a high point around the end of March, supporters of President Alassane Ouattara broke into the Abidjan prison and freed thousands of inmates.

The violence began late last year when former president Laurent Gbagbo refused to step down despite losing an election to current President Ouattara. Gbagbo was arrested in April by forces loyal to President Ouattara.

Ivorian officials say they are making improvements to the Abidjan prison, which was previously known for overcrowding and poor conditions.