Bouafle hosts 33rd edition of UN Days: Residents commit to social cohesion

The 33rd edition of UN Days was held from 23 to 25 April 2014 in the town of Bouafffle, capital of the Marahoue region, 300 km from Abidjan.

The event provided an opportunity to educate the population on the mandate and activities of the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire and discuss issues related to social cohesion and national reconciliation. The event kicked off with free medical consultations and treatment, followed by workshops and film projections on peace and social cohesion as well as sporting activities.
The Special Representative of UN Secretary-General in Cote d'Ivoire, Mrs. Aichatou Mindaoudou arrived in Bouaffle on the second day of the event and paid a courtesy visit to the Prefectural and administrative authorities, and the elites of the region led by the Senior Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charles Koffi Diby.

During a working session with political and administrative authorities, elites and senior administrative staff of the division and traditional authorities, the Special Representative explained the purpose of her visit which she said was aimed at bringing the population together to discuss and encourage them to promote peace and social cohesion. "We know that Bouaffle is a cosmopolitan town with a divers communities living in a peaceful atmosphere," she said, calling on them to turn over a new leaf following the post electoral crisis. She urged participants to strictly adhere to the recommendations made during the workshops.

The Special Representative also met with the President of the magistrate's court, Celestin Kamin and his collaborators to discuss UNOCI's support to the restoration of the rule of law in the area.

During the open discussion forum, Mrs. Mindaoudou reiterated support to the Ivorian government and the people with regard to strengthening social cohesion through consultation and local development and emphasized the contribution of the population to the success of this endeavour.

The forum was concluded with the signing of a protocol agreement related to the rehabilitation of the Henri Konan Bedie Cultural Centre and the drafting of the final recommendations and a general commitment by the youths, women and media representatives as well as traditional authorities to promote social cohesion.