Villagers in Kridy, situated at 558 km northwest of Abidjan, in the department of Guiglo, on 17 June 2015, welcomed the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire's (UNOCI) information and sensitisation forum known as ONUCI Tour.



Speaking at the forum, Pierre Aby, UNOCI's Public Information Officer based in Guiglo told participants : « It is imperative to respect everyone's right to vote in the forthcoming elections. We should be able to express our democratic rights in all its form, so that after the presidential election which is due to be held in October 2015, the results of the ballot box will determine the real winner ».



Participants were equally sensitised on the harmful effects of female circumcision, a practice which can have serious health consequences on its victims.



Daniel Ouédraogo and Léandre Nkurunziza of the United Nations Police (UNPOL), for their part, explained how they assist local forces to help increase security. « Tomorrow, Côte d'Ivoire will organise elections. We urge you to participate calmly with discipline so that we can put an end to this crisis, » they told participants.





With regard to inheritance and ownership of land which often creates conflict, the director of the Legal Clinic of Guiglo, Elodie Essi, highlighted the equality between men and women and which should be respected when property is being shared after the death of a relative. « With regard to inheritance, men and women have the same rights in the eyes of Ivorian law, » she added.



Speaking at the end of the sensitisation session, the village chief, Bernard Guy told the visitors, « You have provided us with the opportunity to have rich discussions with you. These discussions have really inspired us ».