The local sensitization caravan of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) known as "ONUCI Tour", made a stop in Anoumabo village in Marcory, in the district of Abidjan on Wednesday, 5 November 2014.

The theme of the information, training, and sensitization session with local people was "The contribution of the people of Anoumabo in the consolidation of peace and the promotion of national reconciliation and local development''. The session attracted some 500 participants, including local administrative, traditional and religious authorities. Representatives of youth and women's groups as well as school children also took part in it.



Speaking during the event, the deputy mayor, Guillaume N'Guessan enthusiastically welcomed UNOCI's initiative to organize the session in his constituency. "By creating this platform of discussion with local people, UNOCI is showing that it is in favour of the consolidation of peace in our village which is populated by some 100,000 inhabitants, half of whom are from countries in the sub-region," he added.

The head of the UNOCI delegation, Daniela Lupas, urged the villagers to take charge of democratic values founded on peace, tolerance, the promotion of social cohesion and lasting development. She also assured them that with regard to forthcoming elections scheduled in 2015, UNOCI will continue to provide support and assistance in the conduct of activities aimed at reinforcing social cohesion in order to reconcile all the inhabitants of the country.

The second stage of the event comprised of presentations made by staff of UNOCI and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on themes such as the promotion of human rights, peace and gender-based violence, security and development. Participants were also instructed on the main priorities of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2162, sensitization on the HIV/AIDS pandemic and preventive measures on the Ebola Virus Disease. The sensitization was followed by a hand-washing session organized by an agent from the Ivorian Ministry of Health and the Fight Against AIDS.

This was followed by a question and answer session during which local youths condemned the lack of employment for them which they described as a hindrance to peace and social cohesion.

The ceremony ended with a vote of thanks to UNOCI delivered by the village chief of Anoumabo, Nanan Nicodème Gangan.