The Deputy Special Representative of UN Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire in charge of Rule of Law, Arnauld Akodjènou, on Wednesday 22 January 2014 was in Abengourou, Indenié-Djuablin Region in continuation of his field tour aimed at assessing the national reconciliation process and the restoration of peace.



Mr. Akodjènou is taking the opportunity during the field trips to explain the four cardinal areas of the mandate of the UN Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) including political dialogue, national reconciliation, the rights and obligations of citizens, security and the restoration and reinforcement of state authority.



He said he appreciated the unanimous opinion of all local actors regarding the primordial and crucial role of the King of Abengourou and his nobility in the establishment of peace; a role which, he said, has made Abengourou an example of social cohesion among its inhabitants without distinction to nationality, ethnic or religious background. "Cohesion is perfect and everyone contributes to the building of peace in the region," the Prefect of the Region, Fadiga Ouattara said.



The Deputy Special Representative hailed and encouraged the people for their role in maintaining peace in the region. "This region is an illustration of what one can do best. Abengourou went through difficult moments but remained peaceful thanks to the men, women, structures and mechanisms of management that we commend. UNOCI shall remain by their side to continue and consolidate these efforts," stressed Mr. Akodjènou who said it was comforting to note the peaceful coexistence among the people and between the people and the administration, the smooth collaboration between state institutions, the elites and the staff of UNOCI deployed in Abengourou, 200 km east of Abidjan.



At the working session with local administrative and military authorities as well as religious and community leaders, participants expressed gratitude to UNOCI for coming to their assistance each time the UN Mission was requested to do so. The Member of Parliament for Abengourou town, Mrs. Marguerite Brou Tanoh requested the Mission for the financing of micro projects while the MP for Abengourou-sub prefecture Hubert Ehouman highlighted the security role played by UNOCI in collaboration with the national security forces. He spoke of efforts by the elites to encourage the inhabitants of certain villages to continue to live in peace adding: "Your visit comforts and encourages us to continue this initiative."

Mr. Akodjènou called on participants to help spread their methods of peace building so that other regions of Cote d'Ivoire might be inspired to emulate them.



The Deputy Special Representative also visited the Regional Hospital Centre of Abengourou and held a working session with its director and staff. "Access to health care also forms part of the rights of the population and if I am here it is not to make an inspection but to take cognizance myself of how the people's right to health is being applied in the region," he said as he visited and comforted the patients.



The UNOCI Deputy Head later visited officials of the local branch of the national Commission for Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation and the national Authority for Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration and urged them to continue their role in promoting peace in the Indienné-Djuablin Region.



He rounded up his trip with a meeting with the State Prosecutor of Abengourou, Mr. Kanga Yao who gave a rundown of the judicial reform process concerning judicial procedures, the training of staff and the rehabilitation of buildings and equipment of the judiciary.



Mr. Akodjènou also visited the Abengourou Prison which was partially opened on 25 September 2012 and talked with inmates including female, male and minors about their living condition as well as inspect progress of building extension work initiated by UNOCI to expand and equip the infirmary and provide an outdoor shelter for detainees.