Ivory Coast's minister of defense says the government will disarm and demobilize about 10,000 fighters in a bid to improve security.

State media Wednesday quoted defense minister Paul Koffi Koffi as saying the process should be completed by the end of the year.

The minister, who spoke Tuesday, said the demobilized fighters will be reintegrated into society.

People across Ivory Coast took up arms during a post-election crisis in the West African nation earlier this year.

The violence began after then-president Laurent Gbagbo lost a November election to Alassane Ouattara, but refused to give up power. Pro-Ouattara forces toppled Mr. Gbagbo in April.

The Ouattara government is now working to unify its military forces and return the country to normalcy.