In an effort to encourage young people in the Koko neighbourhood of Bouaké to get involved in the current peace process in Côte d'Ivoire, an exchange of information session was organised there by the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire on 2 March 2016.



The UNOCI initiative was supported by some of its partners, including the National Commission for the Fight Against the Circulation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (COMNAT-ALPC). It was a session of the UN Mission's traditional sensitisation caravan, known as ''ONUCI Tour''.





The majority of young peole do not have jobs



According to the deputy head of UNOCI's Sector East Office, Xavier Blais, who led the UN Mission's delegation, the aim of the sensitisation session was to encourage youths in the neighbourhood to take an interest in the peace process.



« We are here this morning to reiterate the United Nations willingness to work with you so that this neighbourhood and Bouaké can find lasting peace. We are also here to listen to what you have to say and take note of your suggestions with regard to the peace process, » he said.



In addition, Mr. Blais urged the young people to actively participate in politics in order to make their voices heard and to bring their concerns to the attention of the authorities.



Afterwards, UNOCI sections, including Public Information, Civil Affairs, Security Sector Reform and UN Police presented their respective mandates and activities.



Perez Traoré of Koko Youth Association highlighted the high level of unemployment among young people, which he said represented a real threat to the peace process.



« The majority of young people do not have jobs. Some youths who fought during the crisis still have their weapons and they use to get money, » he warned. He said for this reason those in power should take the issue of youth unemployment seriously in order to find lasting peace in Côte d'Ivoire.



For his part, Pacôme Koffi of COMNAT-ALPC encouraged the youths in la Koko to sensitise those still retaining weapons to hand them in , in exchange for income-generating projects.