The mobile grassroots sensitisation team of the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) dubbed on 15 August 2014 made a stop-over in the village of Zro, 530 km west of Abidjan to mobilise the population toward reconciliation, disarmament and the prevention of the Ebola virus.





The campaign led by the Public Information Office included staff of the Civil Affairs, Rule of Law sections as well as the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration division of UNOCI who stressed the importance of living together.

Various speakers raised concerns about persons in illegal possession of arms including traditional hunters commonly known as ; land-related conflicts, the need to fight against the propagation of rumours, the respect of traditional authority, and the functioning of customary and modern courts.

The interim Coordinator of the UN System in Guiglo, Ibrahim Abdou noted that the village was an example of integration and peace and encouraged the population to continue in that direction.



The village Chief, Benoit Dehazi expressed satisfaction with the UNOCI visit. « This is the first time UNOCI is coming to discuss current affairs with us. We have learnt a lot and we thank them for that, » he said.

On the sideline of the campaign, the Ivorian divisional director of health, Dr. Kevin Konate seized the opportunity to reiterate health, security and humanitarian measures taken by the Ivorian government to prevent the entry of the Ebola virus into Cote d'Ivoire. « Respect all instructions concerning the virus and remain vigilant and be alert so that the virus does not find its way into the country, » he advised.



The UNOCI team distributed promotional items to winners of a quiz contest while the Chief and representatives of the various communities of people from the West African region (ECOWAS) received gifts for their effort in maintaining social cohesion among the different communities.