UNOCI, ADDR launch community reinsertion projects for 109 ex-combatants in Bangolo

The UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) and the national Authority for Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (ADDR) on 16 October 2014 launched six community-based projects for the benefit of 109 ex-combatants in Bangolo, 537 km north-west of Abidjan. The projects include poultry, pork breeding, cold storage facility, dry cleaning and other services.

The Coordinator of the UNOCI Office in Man, Samira Keita recalled that disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) was an integral part of UNOCI's current mandate, adding that it was in this context that the UN Mission was giving technical, material, logistic and financial support to the Ivorian government through the ADDR for the implementation of its DDR programme.

"For several months now, we have put at the disposal of the Ivorian government an additional project known as the Community Reinsertion Project (PRC) to assist those who would like to work in groups and consolidate social cohesion by bringing ex-combatants and civilians together. I call on all eligible beneficiaries to take advantage and encourage all interested parties to support them," she concluded.

For his part,Jean de Dieu Ntanga Ntita of UNOCI DDR division pointed out that PRC is aimed at improving the security situation, social cohesion in zones with a high population of ex-combatants and a potential for reinsertion/integration of demobilized ex-combatants and even in zones affected by social and community tensions.

Two NGOs are in charge of putting these projects in place: Limpia and Source du Bonheur. Their spokesman, Michel Bah highlighted the responsibility of their organisations in handling these projects. "We are here to lend a hand to our brothers who yesterday were living in harmony but because of the crisis which our country has experienced are looking at one another with distrust. With the crisis over, we must mend the pieces, reconcile Ivorians, create conditions for social cohesion and live together," he said.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Patrice Guehi Guehi expressed satisfaction with the six projects. "Today is our day, the day of ex-combatants and members of the community who have chosen to work together under the leadership of the NGOs Limpia and Source du Bonheur. We were the actors of the crisis; we lived it at a high cost. Today we want to live and work together to rebuild our lives," he declared.

ADDR official, Adama Bailou declared that the war was over and it was time to move on with development. He disclosed that UNOCI injected CFA 100 million (200,000 USD) in the scheme.

The 4th assistant to the Mayor, Antoine Diehi Zahe stressed the importance of the launching ceremony and thanked all the institutions working for the benefit of ex-combatants.

"Everything is in your hands. Take advantage of this opportunity so you do not become perpetually dependent on assistance. I would like to request persons still in possession of firearms to hand them in so that these projects can become really successful," the Sub Prefect of Bangolo central, Soumaila Kolo concluded.