The Security Sector Reform (SSR) Division of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), on Monday, 2 December began conducting a 5-day training course for some 30 members of the Forces républicaines de Côte d'Ivoire (FRCI) on international military norms and ethics.



The training which falls within the framework of UNOCI's support to the Ivorian government efforts to set up an efficient and responsible defense and security force is being conducted with the collaboration of other components of UNOCI and some UN agencies.



At the opening session, UNOCI's Deputy Force Commander, General Talla Niang said the training was in line with Security Council Resolution 2112 which gives UNOCI the mandate to assist the Ivorian government in its security strategy, to support, in conjunction with other international partners, through an efficient and transparent coordination and a clear definition of tasks and responsibilities. He said UNOCI has the duty to advise on matters related to security sector reform aimed at setting up the future national army. "This training constitutes an excellent opportunity to promote universally accepted military conduct at the national level," General Niang explained.



General Niang enumerated the themes to be covered by the training course including the security of persons, humanitarian action, human rights, the protection of civilians, rule of law, international humanitarian law, military norms and ethics, relations between the military and civilians, psychological applications, the place of gender, gender-based violence, the storage of arms and munitions HIV/AIDS and the use of force in detention centres.



Also speaking at the opening, the Ivorian Army Chief of Staff, General Soumaila Bakayoko thanked UNOCI and its civilian and military officials for their support to the Ivorian Army, saying the military command had made the training of its men a high priority for the building of a new Ivorian army. "It is the beginning of a series of training programmes which we hope would last very long in order to cover all the training areas required for an efficient army," the General said.



The Deputy Special Representative of United Nations Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Arnauld Akodjenou, formally opened the training session by expressing satisfaction with the cross section of the Ivorian Armed Forces and the quality of participants. "I would like to wish you a fruitful discussion during this passionate workshop. But in the end, remember that your duty is not only to learn but also to be prepared to share your knowledge, guide and orientate and especially make your role to protect the population better understood," Mr. Akodjenou said.



The 30 trainers undergoing the training course include officers of air, maritime and technical services, the Military Staff College of Zambrako, the Cadet Officers' School, the pre-military technical school of Bingerville, as well as officers from Daloa, Bouaké and Korhogo.