Inhabitants of the tiny village of Zriglo, 30 km from Tai in the far west of Cote d'Ivoire have been the victim of recurrent wild rumours of an impending attack following repeated attacks in neighbouring Fetai and Grabo villages.



In a bid to reassure the population and restore a climate of confidence in the zone, the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI), accompanied by the Sub Prefect of Tai, paid a visit to Zriglo to take the pulse of the situation after security arrangements were put in place by the local authorities.



UNOCI's Civil Affairs representative Ramillo Rudaragi advised that the village surveillance committee be reactivated to examine and put in place a mechanism to fight against persistent rumours and disinformation.



Responding to the security concerns of the Sub Prefect, the spokesman of the youths, Hubert Ouedraogo was reassuring and confident. "The rumours have disappeared. Attempts to destabilize our families have ended. We now sleep in peace," he said. This was also confirmed by the village chief, Maurice Pamin Kayo. "The constant presence of local security and UNOCI forces has silenced the hearsay. People are calm and going to their farms," the chief affirmed.



It would be recalled that Zriglo village suffered considerable human and material losses during the 2011 crisis in Cote d'Ivoire. Thanks to the efforts of the international community, national authorities and the local population, the village has come back to life.