The population of Aghien-Telegraphe village in the Sub Prefecture of Brofodoume, 50 km from Abidjan on Tuesday 14 October 2014 hosted the mobile sensitization team of the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) that had come to promote peace, national reconciliation and development.

Senior administrative, traditional and religious authorities as well as representatives of civil society organisations and neighbouring villages turned out to listen to members of the UNOCI delegation.



« Our big village is made up of several ethnic groups and communities of people coming from neighbouring countries. We hope to benefit from your teaching and advice so that we can learn to live together in peace, » the Chief of Aghien-Telegraphe, Nanan Michel Nianzou said in his welcome remarks.



Taking the floor, the head of the UNOCI delegation, Marie-Richmond Ahoua indicated that in accordance with its mandate as contained in UN Security Council Resolution 2162, UNOCI supports the Ivorian government efforts towards the national reconciliation and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes as well as in the security sector reform and the protection of civilians. « The contribution of UNOCI to these processes is diverse and varied. The Mission creates and supports activities aimed at reinforcing social cohesion especially in view of the 2015 elections, » she recalled.



In her address, the Sub Prefect of Brofodoume, Sylvie Gnamke urged the population to give priority to the culture of peace, a factor of development. « You should take responsibility for the development of your village and leave politics to politicians. It is with the language of peace, not hate that you will be able to build your village, » he advised.

The second phase of the sensitization tour was marked by presentations by members of the UNOCI delegation and representatives of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) on a wide range of themes covering human rights, peace, security, development and gender-based violence. The population was also educated on ways to prevent HIV/AIDS and the Ebola virus fever.