ONUCI Tour, the mobile sensitization team of the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI), made a stopover in Katiola (400 km north of Abidjan) on 3 December 2014 and called on community leaders to encourage citizens in illegal possession of arms to hand them over to the authorities.



The team from the UNOCI Office in Korhogo had come to discuss challenges related to the organization of peaceful elections scheduled for 2015 and to promote social cohesion.



The head of the UNOCI delegation, Abdulaai Baako recalled the numerous efforts of the UN to promote social cohesion and consolidate peace throughout Ivorian territory. "Social cohesion, national reconciliation and disarmament would serve as positive indicators for the holding of peaceful elections," he pointed out.



The secretary-general of the Katiola Prefecture, Gilbert Gbagbeu urged the population to get involved in efforts aimed at creating peace and strengthening social cohesion in the division. "Social cohesion should be a reality in your respective families, residential quarters and the division," said.



At the end of the meeting which the 4 deputy Mayor Youssouf Kone said was a welcome initiative, the community leaders resolved to create a forum that cuts across political affiliations to ensure the establishment of a peaceful electoral environment.



The UNOCI delegation comprised staff from the Public Information, Civil Affairs and the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration Offices.