The people of Pantrokin village, Sub Prefecture of Pehe in the Toulepleu division on Wednesday 13May 2015 hosted a delegation of the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) that had come to discuss the national reconciliation process, the strengthening of social cohesion and the need to promote a peaceful electoral environment.



The village Chief, Philippe Zrowon said he was pleased with the discussions and indicated that his people were edified by the wise counsel given by the visitors. « In Pantrokin, we live on good terms with one another because we have understood that it is only by living in unity that we can contribute to the development of our village,» he said.



Vincent Kouakou of UNOCI's Public Information Office stressed the importance of peace and social cohesion among the different communities and called on them to fight against rumour mongering which, he said, affects good relationship. Referring to forthcoming elections, he reminded them to ensure that they are held in a conducive atmosphere and without violence.

Sylvie Afffoue of the Civil Affairs section of UNOCI spoke on the need for the peaceful settlement of conflicts especially land ownership disputes. « Give priority to dialogue each time you are confronted with a conflict situation, » she advised.



Moussa Mohammed of UN Police encouraged the local committee to fight against violence done to women by embarking on a sensitization campaign to effectively wipe out the phenomenon. He called on parents to assume their responsibility to protect their children against early pregnancy.



Other concerns discussed by the population included problems related to the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) process, UNOCI's quick impact projects, the boundary dispute between Pantrokin and Pehe, the issue of the underprivileged, violence against women and the wish for Toulepleu division to host the UN Days.