Traditional Chiefs learn techniques of conflict management

The Deputy Special Representative of UN Secretary-General in Cote d'Ivoire, Mr. Mbaye Babacar Cisse who is also the UN Resident Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs and Resident Representative of the UN Development Programme took part in the opening ceremony of a 2-day seminar on the techniques of conflict management and prevention organized for traditional kings and chiefs on 28 October 2014.

Mr. Cisse told participants that the UN pays particular attention to issues related to the prevention and management of conflicts and the role of traditional authorities in the process.

He recalled that with the enactment of the law on the status of kings and chiefs in Cote d'Ivoire last July, the king, chief of province, chief of canton, chief of tribe and chief of village have become principal actors and an essential link between the people and the administration. "It is therefore right for you to have requested and obtained the support of our organization to hold this seminar," he remarked.

According to Mr. Cisse, the traditional chief should be the artisan of peace and a tireless apostle on the road to peace. "Invest in this mission; it will guarantee peace and reduce community tensions at the local level," he said.
The deputy Special Representative said he was happy to note that national reconciliation has today become the most shared aspiration among a great majority of Ivorian society. While reaffirming UN support to Cote d'Ivoire's efforts towards national reconciliation, Mr. Cisse called on the traditional chiefs to work for a peaceful environment that is conducive to the holding of free, transparent and democratic elections.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, the Permanent Secretary-General of the Council of African Kings and traditional Chiefs, Jean Gervais Tchiffi Ziel said they were pleased with the organization of the workshop and promised to adhere to its recommendations.