Security forces and community leaders in Guiglo commit to improving relations and reinforce security

Officers, sub officers and the rank and file of the Ivorian gendarmerie, police, water and forestry service, and the armed forces (FRCI) met with women and youth leaders as well as traditional authorities in Guiglo (530 km west of Abidjan) on Friday 4 April 2014 for a workshop to discuss ways of improving relations with one another in order to reinforce security.

Participants at the workshop organized by the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) recommended the holding of regular training sessions bringing together the two groups of stakeholders, organising open-door days for security services and the reactivation of the Community Security Committee, and restoring confidence between the stakeholders. They also requested UNOCI to plead with the Ivorian government on their behalf to provide better equipment to the local security forces and called for the reinforcement of joint patrols in sensitive areas.

In order to promote reconciliation, the security forces resolved to improve its treatment of the population, to handle their matters with more expediency and vigilance, and expressed the need for frank collaboration with the population.

The head of the UNOCI delegation, Dr. Talibo Almouner expressed satisfaction with the resolutions taken and renewed the support of the UN. "Your discussions are proof of your determination to change things related to security and the relations between security forces and the population. The UN stands by you in your search for peace and reconciliation," he said.

The secretary-General of the Guiglo Prefecture, Henri Gnakoury and the first deputy Mayor Maurice Monemo reiterated some of the expectations of the people and the authorities regarding the mission of security forces in a zone as sensitive as Guiglo. "The people are counting on you for peace. You should exercise your duties with respect and with the aim of serving the inhabitants without distinction," Mr. Gnakoury declared.

The workshop was conducted by officials of UNOCI's Human rights, Child Protection, Civil Affairs, Rule of law, Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration sections, UN Police, UN Population Fund and UN Development Programme who gave talks on a variety of issues including the respect of ethics, safeguarding human and children's rights, the fight against gender-based violence and the role of the UN in promoting security sector reform.
The occasion was closed with volleyball and handball matches between selections of UNOCI staff and members of the Guiglo community.