Deputy Special Representative of UN Secretary-General for Cote d'Ivoire in charge of Rule of Law, Arnauld Akodjenou paid as one –day official visit on Wednesday 15 January 2014 to the Me region to acquaint himself with the realities on the ground and also assess progress made with regard to national reconciliation.



He said he was reassured and expressed optimism at the end of the visit which falls within the context of periodic meetings between the leadership of the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) and the Ivorian authorities and people aimed at following up the reconciliation process in accordance with UNOCI's mandate.



After a meeting with UNOCI local staff based in the Me regional capital, Adzope, Mr. Akodjenou met with local administrative and military authorities led by the Prefect of the region, Mr. Al-Hassana Sanogo.



The Deputy Special Representative discussed with traditional chiefs, community leaders and women's and youth representatives of Me which has been notorious for repeated incidents of inter-communal tensions. He spoke of UNOCI's role to assist Cote d'Ivoire in four principal areas including political dialogue, the rights and obligations of citizens, security and the reinforcement of state authority. He urged the community leaders and civil society to play their part in bringing communities together, stressing that "you are the real actors of national reconciliation."



For his part, the representatives of civil society highlighted the need for social cohesion among the various communities and castigated the divisive acts of certain political leaders. They expressed the wish to live together in order to promote the development of their region and requested the assistance of UNOCI to accelerate political dialogue. "At no moment did I get the feeling that these people felt they were victims. I got the sense that they wanted to turn a new page and through such discussions, one can be optimistic," Mr. Akodjenou said. "I was dealing with men and women, youths and chiefs who were determined to tackle the situation as it is today and to move ahead positively toward reconciliation," he concluded.



UNOCI's deputy head and his delegation also met with the Prosecutor of the area, Mrs. Sabine Sadia who presented the situation of the judiciary in Adzope and outlined the impact of the security sector reform at the levels of procedure, training and the rehabilitation of infrastructures and equipment. "We are working in strict respect of the rule of law and I can tell you that the people are satisfied," she said.

She particularly thanked UNOCI for the rehabilitation of the Adzope Prison which had been vandalised in May 2013. The Prosecutor accompanied the Deputy Special Representative on a visit of the prison to assess the renovation work. Mr. Akodjenou was pleased with the progress made and appreciated the motivation and professionalism of the penitentiary staff. "I am optimistic," he concluded.