The United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), on Saturday, 12 September 2015, participated in « A Day of Forgiveness » in Méagui. The activity was organised as part of recommendations made during an intercommunity dialogue meeting held in Oupoyo in the department of Méagui last May by the Civil Affairs Section of the Mission. The meeting in Oupuyo was attended by the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Mrs Aïchatou Mindaoudou.



The president of NGO Bobowi, Yépi Senghor, who piloted the activity, the objective was to restore trust between former protagonists and re-establish a peaceful environment. « This ceremony which brings us together on this « Day of Forgiveness » is to consecrate a long process of discussions, listening to one another but also as living proof of the fact that we have once more found social cohesion, he said, urging people to turn their back on hatred and rancour in order to build a common ideal which is developing the region.



A spokesperson for one of the communities attending the activity, Félix Nabo, urged everyone tp work for lasting peace. « If today some amongst us have recognised they were wrong and accepted to follow the tradition of washing off the blood that was spilt, then we accept but we must avoid such incidents in the future, » he said.



Highlighting the fact that part of the population of Méagui is composed of citizens of members states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Prefect of the Department, Pierre Kouassi Lenoir, urged people to cultivate living together in harmony. « You should know that the cultural diversity of this department is an advantage. I encourage you to make the most of this cultural riches in order to live together peacefully. May peace be in the hearts and minds of each and everyone of you to help you contribute to creating a peaceful electoral environment in Méagui and in other regions of the country! », he said.



For his part, the head of UNOCI's delegation, Inza Dosso, took the opportunity to implore people to ensure that the electoral process passes off without incident. « UNOCI would like to once again encourage you to remain united and solid for peace and development in Méagui. We hope that this year we will have zero violence befpre, during and after the elections », he concluded.