Nearly 150 people participated in ONUCI Tour, the local sensitization campaign of the United Nation Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) organized in Bonoua, in the south-Comoé region, some 60 kilometres from Abidjan on Tuesday, 9 February 2016.



The event, which was chaired by the Deputy Prefect of Bonoua, Fatoumata Koné, was attended by traditional, religious, community leaders as well as members of youth and women associations' and representatives of the defense and security forces.



Speaking at the event, the Chief of UNOCI's delegation, Daniela Lupas, said that the UN Mission had come to the town to talk with the populations about the consolidation of peace, their active solidarity and above all their firm determination to get on the national reconciliation train.

"We all know that Bonoua, by its geographical position and its historical references, is a melting pot, a laboratory and Côte d'Ivoire on a small-scale known for its hospitality. This town must demonstrate its commitment for a Côte d'Ivoire reconciled with itself, "she said.



Several topics related to the consolidation of the peace process were discussed by representatives of UNOCI and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). They talked about ''the role of youth, women and traditional leaders in strengthening social cohesion '; "the relations between the police and the people'', '' the role of the population in the implementation of security sector reform"; "Statelessness and those who could be stateless ''; the '' birth registration '' and behaviour change ''.



During the discussions, participants in the outreach session expressed their concerns about the return of Ivorian refugees, the release of prisoners of the crisis and a strategy to put an end to the non-registration of births.

Speaking on behalf of the youths of Bonoua, the Youth secretary-general said that Bonoua should no longer be called a "red zone" or a "republic within the republic," because the crisis was now over.



The participants also wanted to know not only the role that UNOCI was playing with regard to the release of prisoners of the post-electoral crisis but also to economically support women.



The head of the UNOCI delegation and UNHCR officials answered these concerns.



On the issue of refugees, UNHCR officials said that the UN agency's mission was to support Ivorians who wish to return home voluntarily. They, therefore, cannot force a refugee to return home if he did not want to.

For her part, the deputy prefect of Bonoua, Fatoumata Koné expressed her gratitude to UNOCI for its support and its presence that enable the population "to understand that peace is precious". She then, invited opinion leaders to change their attitude so that the objectives of maintaining peaceful gains can be achieved.



After the discussions, several peace messages were launched by women, youth, traditional and religious leaders.

It should be noted that Bonoua had previously hosted United Nations Day from 18 to 20 April 2012.