The United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) on Friday, 20 November 2015, organized a sensitisation session in Alépé department, 54 km from Abidjan, during its local campaign to promote social cohesion known as ONUCI Tour.



During that session, traditional and religious leaders, representatives of women and youth associations, members of civil society, and the prefects of the department were sensitized on the role of community leaders in the consolidation of peace. They were urged to improve relations between the security forces and local people, as well as promote human rights and fight against HIV/AIDS. These topics were presented by different sections of the UN Mission.



For the secretary-general of the Prefecture of Alépé, Bouaki Kouamé representing the Prefect of Alépé department, the activity was an opportunity for leaders to take note of the messages and share them with other people.



"I invite you to share your knowledge with your constituents, your employees and your colleagues who did not take part in this activity," he said.





To reconcile wounded hearts

For his part the third deputy mayor of Alépé municipality, Manda Wédjè said that the sensitization session was an opportunity for people in Alépé to consolidate peace in their region.



"This activity fully participates not only in reconciling wounded hearts but also facilitating social cohesion," he said.



As for the head of the UNOCI delegation, Komlan Adadjo from the Mission's Civil Affairs Section, he recalled the UN's interest in consolidating peace during the post-election period.



During the discussions, several recommendations were made by participants, including a request for the training of traditional leaders on the values ​​of peace. They also asked for the increase of outreach activities throughout the department