People in the border town of Doropo, 670 km north-east of Abidjan, have resolved to carry out periodic sensitization campaigns under the auspices of political leaders in order to promote political tolerance, the peaceful resolution of conflicts and dialogue.



The resolution was among several others taken at a meeting organized by the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) in Doropo on Thursday 20 March 2014 in a bid to strengthen border security, create a synergy between UNOCI and the local authorities on one hand and build capacity of traditional and religious leader, political and administrative authorities as well as opinion leaders so as to promote a peaceful environment in the border areas.



UNOCI officials educated some 36 participants on social cohesion and conflict management, political tolerance and democracy.

The Prefect of Doropo, Konan Yapi thanked UNOCI for choosing his town for the meeting especially at a time when the area was experiencing conflicts between crop farmers and cattle grazers and aggression towards local authorities and civil servants. The area went through difficult times during the last elections and it was necessary to ensure that the next elections are conducted in a peaceful and civilized manner, the Prefect said.



At the closing ceremony of the workshop, the Secretary-General of the Prefecture, speaking on behalf of the Prefect, called on participants to put what they had learnt into practice.