Military force

UNOCI MILITARY FORCE

UNOCI military force currently consists of approximately 3,000 men and women representing over 46 countries.

Within the framework of Security Council resolution 2284 (2016) , providing for the completion of the mission by 30 June 2017, a gradual downsizing will bring the strength of the Force to about 2,000 soldiers by 1 September 2016.

The main contingents come from Niger, Senegal and Togo.

UNOCI military force can intervene in any part of the Ivorian territory. Its Headquarters are in Abidjan.

The UNOCI military force is mainly composed of peacekeeping units to ensure a secure environment necessary for the protection of civilians. The Force also supports the Government of Côte d’Ivoire in securing the country.

Military Force UNOCI contributes to policing and enforcement of the law and that, in close collaboration with the other components of UNOCI, Ivorian security forces, administration and traditional authorities in Côte d’Ivoire.

In addition to deployed troops and the General Staff of the force, other units of peacekeepers are supporting the military strength of UNOCI; Other components include:

  • Nearly one hundred fifty (150) military observers divided into nine (09) independent team sites at the most important locations in Côte d’Ivoire. They are specifically responsible for information and assessment on security and social situation on the field.
  • One (01) Egyptian engineering company in Yamoussoukro. Among its primary role setting up infrastructure critical for the deployment of troops and occasionally carrying-out development work of roads and tracks for road network in Ivory Coast.
  • One (01) team of military dedicated to close protection, which participates in protecting V.I.Ps such as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General or the Commander of the Force and his deputy.
  • The UNOCI military force has also two (02) air units with helicopters for airlift, medical evacuation, as well as air support units in the field.
  • Two (02) military hospitals in Abidjan and Daloa with evacuation and medical care capacity for peacekeepers. Their skills are regularly dedicated to local populations (medical care, vaccinations, emergency).

Humanitarian activities In addition to operational missions, UN forces in Cote d’Ivoire are participating in humanitarian activities to benefit the population

Thus, in the course of 2015-2016, eight (08) immediate impact projects (Quick Impact Project [QIPs]) were successfully completed in Abidjan-Zuénoula-Brobo-Gagnoa, Duékoué –Soubré and Man. These projects, supported by the UNOCI Force include, among others, rehabilitation of primary schools, rehabilitation of clinics and libraries, as well as drilling wells.

For this type of concrete achievements, UNOCI Force’s objectives are to maintain the confidence gained from the population and encourage Ivorian society to take the road of peace. The contingents of the Force are called upon to ensure approximately 100 medical consultations per day for the local population and to hand out about 10,000 liters of drinking water.

Role of Force in the peace process in Côte d’Ivoire

The UNOCI military force is primarily responsible for supporting the implementation of the peace process initiated by the Ouagadougou Political Accord (OPA) signed on 4 March 2007, to assist the government in the process of restructuring Ivorian security forces. The S.C Resolution 2284, adopted on 26 April 2016, following the example of previous resolutions, confirms the tasks assigned to UNOCI that are globally:

  • Participate in the securing of people and goods throughout the Ivorian territory and in particular to the protection of people in imminent danger, without prejudice to the primary responsibility of the Ivorian authorities;
  • Confronting border security threats and challenges. Within the limits of the authority at its disposal, its capabilities and its area of deployment, it helps the national authority to stabilize the security situation.
  • Contribute to the security of people, facilities and equipment of the United Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
  • Participate in the reconstruction and reform of security institutions.
  • To assist compliance, investigations and investigations of violations of human rights.
  • Provide support to humanitarian assistance.