The UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) on Wednesday 18 June 2014 organized a cultural day in Bonguera, Mbahiako division which rounded up with a football tournament aimed at bringing together and reconciling the people of some 20 villages in the area located 250 km from the Ivorian capital, Yamoussoukro.

The head of the UNOCI delegation, Soumaila Bailly welcomed the powerful mobilisation of the population of Bonguera Sub Prefecture who had come not only to display the various aspects of their culture and sporting prowess but also to listen to UNOCI messages of peace.



Mr. Bailly stressed the need to strengthen social cohesion and preserve a peaceful electoral environment as the country prepares for elections in 2015. He called on them to adopt sporting values and the culture of tolerance, dialogue and fair play in order to become messengers of peace wherever they may be, adding that they could count on UNOCI support for any initiative related to the strengthening of social cohesion.



The Sub Prefect of Bonguera, Serge Ben Yeboua Kouame spoke on similar lines and called on the people to be committed to peace and national development. "It is because they want to assist us that UNOCI demands we become involved in the political appeasement of the environment, an environment that is favourable to local development," he said.

UNOCI officials of the Human Rights and Civil Affairs offices as well as UN Police took turns to urge the people to report all acts of sexual violence they witness so as to contribute to the fight against impunity. They asked them to cooperate with the local security forces by reporting any threats to their security.