Inhabitants of Mahino consolidate reconciliation through sport

The people of Mahino, 580 km north-west of Abidjan, on Saturday, 31 August 2013, organised a football tournament to promote peace and reconciliation. The sports event, initiated by the youths of the village, received the active encouragement of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) and several development partners from civil society.

"The organization of this tournament involving the different communities has just demonstrated in the eyes of all your desire for a lasting peace in Mahino and your capacity to promote peace and adhere to the national reconciliation process," the head of the UNOCI delegation to the event observed. He moreover reaffirmed the UN Mission's readiness to support every activity that promotes social cohesion and peace.

According to the organisers, the tournament was initiated by the youths not only to bring people together but also to stress the need to unite for the development of their area. The initiative, the president of the organising committee, Dago Mazie said, was prompted by the prevailing divisiveness among the communities and the need to restore dialogue.

The Chief of Mahino village, Gnepa Michel, said he was pleased to see the villagers feasting and rejoicing together. "We have been living here for several decades and at times it has been difficult for me to bring understanding between the communities. But with this tournament during which the spirit of fair play was brought to bear on the participants, it is Mahino which has emerged the winner and I am exceedingly happy," the Chief declared.

During the event, UNOCI and the NGO "The Association for the self promotion of urban sanitation" (ASAPSU), sensitized the people on the use of dialogue and the culture of fair play in all inter-community relations.