Community leaders, traditional chiefs, representatives of women's and youth associations from Sirasso, situated at 650 km north of Abidjan, were encouraged to contribute to peaceful elections, fight against gender-based violence and collaborate with the local forces of law and order on 8 June 2015, when ONUCI Tour, the sensitisation caravan of the United Nations Operation Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), made a stop in Korhogo, to meet and discuss local problems and challenges with residents.



Speaking at the event, the head of the UNOCI delegation, Marta Romero, from its Civil Affairs Section, asked community leaders to contribute to strengthening social cohesion in preparation for elections in 2015. « The impartiality and neutrality of village chiefs would be favourable to the holding of peaceful elections, » she insisted.



For his part, the deputy prefect of Sirasso, Florent Tagaud, urged people to enrol massively on the electoral list in order to ensure that elections in 2015 are peaceful, inclusive and transparent.



UNOCI's Public Information Office, Civil Affairs Section and Police component (UNPOL) explained their mandate and activities, how people should behave during the electoral process, the means to fight against gender-based violence and the role of Ivorian customs officials in the protection of civilians.



At the end of the different presentations, the community leaders, traditional and religious chiefs, heads of government services, women and youths made several recommendations, including carrying out sensitisation sessions in schools and homes against early pregnancy and gnedr-based violence. Participants expressed the hope that their recommendations would be taken into account in order to ensure a successful electoral registration process.



The people of Sirasso also pleaded for electrification of the village, good roads and mobile phone network.