The United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), and the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture, on 14 January 2015, sensitised villagers in Kordrou on how best to strengthen social cohesion and establish a peaceful electoral environment.



The village, which is in the department of Kouibly, situated at 622 km northwest of Abidjan, welcomed personnel from the UN Mission and Ivorian civil servants during the traditional sensitisation session known as « ONUCI Tour ».



Addressing villagers, Pierre Aby from UNOCI's Public Information Office based in Guiglo reminded them that the forthcoming presidential election scheduled for October 2015 will be decisive with regard to the consolidation of social cohesion and lasting peace. « We encourage you to do everything possible to ensure that this election is transparent, free, inclusive and democratic, » he told them.



Franck Donatien Gbaka Dakouri from UNOCI's Civil Affairs Section, for his part, urged the villagers to respect authority as a way of contributing to the strengthening of social cohesion in their locality. « I urge you to work with your chief and support him in managing the village. Always go to him or the local authorities in case of any misunderstanding between you, » he advised them.



UNOCI Human Rights Officer Charlem Mao Kouassi briefed the villagers on the objective of his division which is to put an end to impunity. He then explained the need for the birth of every child to be registered as required by Ivorian law. «Having a birth certificate means that a child is recognised by the State which means it can be identified officially and educated. It also means that the State can put in place plans for the development of the localities by constructing school and medical facilities,» he added.



The representative of UN Police (UNPOL), Lamoussa Tamini, explained that his section supports the national security forces in protecting people and property. He said that UNPOL also works with the national forces to improve the human rights situation. He then appealed to the villagers to help UNPOL in carrying out its mandate.



Commander Maqdumul Islam from UNOCI's Bangladeshi Contingent explained that his troops serving with UNOCI provide humanitarian assistance to Ivorians in addition to their military duties. He said that his contingent also gave free medical treatment and medicine to local people.



With regard to land issues, the head of this section in the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture, Teya Koffi, stressed the importance of obtaining the title deeds of any land people own as this will avoid any disputes. « The main objective of the 1998 law related to land ownership is to ensure that land owners are legally recognised and to put an end to the multiple disputes linked to land issues which in turn affect social cohesion in different parts of the country. I urge you to set up a committee which will manage land issues and help those who won their land obtain the title deeds, » he advised them.



The chief of Kordrou village, Justin Gueadé, who welcomed the session of ONUCI Tour assured the UNOCI delegation that his people lived in perfect harmony. He then thanked the UN Mission for having rehabilitated the village primary school.



Addressing Ivorian authorities, Mr. Guéadé expressed the hope that Kordrou will soon receive electricity.