The neighbouring villages of Angovia and Allahou Bazi, 30 km from Bouafle in the centre-west region of Marahoue, on Friday, 29 November 2013 made a commitment to turn their backs on violence and pursue dialogue as a means of settling disputes between them. This would allow them to concert efforts aimed at boosting the development of their area.



The commitment was made by the youth leaders of the two villages, Lokou Achille and Houphouet Mathias respectively on the occasion of a grassroots sensitization campaign organized by the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), in the presence of the Sub Prefect of Bosse Zogbre and Koffi Lazare, paramount chief of the Yaoure community made up of 28 villages including Angovia and Allahou Bazi.



The head of UNOCI's Human Rights Office in Daloa, Prosper Shabani who led the UN delegation reiterated the willingness of the UN Mission to support every activity aimed at promoting peace and reconciliation between communities. "{Let our presence here mark the beginning of your move towards peace and reconciliation and especially development}," he said.

Representatives of UNOCI's Public Information, Child Protection, Rule of Law, Civil Affairs and Human Rights offices and UN Police explained their various roles in the implementation of UNOCI's mandate in country to the people who attended the event.



The Rule of Law representative, Krizoua Leon advised people whose main occupation is artisanal mining to regularize their situation with regard to the law governing their activity.



It should be recalled that violent confrontations related to the artisanal mining of gold erupted in Angovia in July this year causing the loss of lives and the burning of 103 homes. The paramount chief, Koffi Lazare took the opportunity to plead with the Ivorian authorities to assist the victims of problems by building them new homes.



The sensitization was marked by sporting activities between the two villages in a bid to promote peace and the spirit of fair play.