UNOCI reconciles people of Gbeleban through sport

A grassroots campaign for the strengthening of social cohesion, respect of human rights, and the peaceful resolution of conflict was launched on Saturday 1 March 2014 in Gbeleban division by the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI).

Gbelelan division in the Kabadougou Region, 78 km west of Odienne shares border with Guinea and has been prone to recurrent conflicts between farmers and itinerant cattle grazers especially during the dry season.

UNOCI organized a football match between the farmers and cattle grazers in a bid to promote reconciliation which is indispensable for the restoration of a lasting peace.

The coordinator of UNOCI's Office in Odienne, Robinson Cadet reiterated the Mission's commitment to see Ivorians live in peace and harmony with foreigners.

The Secretary-General of the Gbelelan Prefecture, Kouadio Akoun , in his opening address, spoke of the credibility which the presence of UNOCI gives to the voluntary arms collection operations as well as all other efforts aimed at improving the wellbeing of the population. "UNOCI gives credibility to all the activities of the Authority for Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (ADDR). Since coming to Cote d'Ivoire, it has ceaselessly worked for the restoration of peace and the stabilisation of the social environment," Mr. Akoun pointed out.

For his part, Jean de Dieu Ntita of UNOCI's DDR Office said the event permitted him to reach his target. "This activity was very important. We passed on our message and I am convinced that we reached our target audience because ex-combatants and those in possession of arms are among the population," he said.

UNOCI's Child Protection, Human Rights, and Information Offices as well as representatives of the UNOCI Force, UN Police and Military Observers joined more than a thousand residents of Gbeleban to take part in the sporting event.