Create the right conditions for peaceful cohabitation between the security forces and the people of Oumé : This was the objective of the Public Information Office of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) in Divo. In this regard, it initiated a workshop for some 60 participants comprising leaders of local associations, police officers, gerdarmes, water and forestry agents and members of the Forces Républicaines de Côte d'Ivoire (FRCI) based in Oumé on 30 January 2015 in the local town hall.





Speaking at the oepning session, the Prefect, François Labé Dogbo, welcomed UNOCI's initiative because he said it consolidates the actions that he himself has been carrying out since 2012 to bring members of the defence and security forces and the population closer. He expressed his appreciation for the human rights presentation which was included in the capacity-building event for the men and women in uniform.



Four modules were presented by Davide Silvestri from UNOCI's Security Sector Reform (SSR) section in Daloa. During the workshop, the different modules dealt with the decentralisation of the SSR process; national ownership of SSR and re-establishing trust between the population and the security sector.



These were followed by a presentation on ethics and professionalism by Jean Herbert Rakotomalala, a United Nations Police (UNPOL) Commander based in Daloa and another on the importance of protecting children's and human rights by Hubert Chabi Olawole Mongadji and Guy Claude Aka Assemian from UNOCI's Human Rights Office in Yamoussoukro. Public Information Officer, Idrissa Koné, made his presentation on how to manage the spread of rumours.



The different topics were well received by participants who showed their interest by asking pertinent questions. One of them, Corporal Abdoulaye Koné Abdoulaye Koné of the FRCI wanted to know more about the why some sections of the population do not respect men and women in uniform. In response, UNPOL commander Rakotomalala said that « respect for the military starts with their appearance. » He therefore advised them to ensure their appearance is impeccable, that they are impartial, avoid any attachment to political parties and excessive familiarity with people in general.



At the end of working session during which they were divided into three groups participants made a number of recommendations.



The group which focused on « commitment to strengthening cohabitation between security forces and the population'', astressed the importance of « lshowing love for your country by scrupulously respecting the law and creating a discussion framework which will help the two sides to strengthen their collaboration and mutual respect ».



The second group which worked on « the synergy of action between UNOCI and local security forces for the protection of civilians and human rights », called for the strengtheing of existing cooperation in the fight against impunity and pleaded for a lifting of the arms embargo.



For its part, the third group which focused on finding a response to several questions on ''the actions of security forces to promote national reconciliation'', proposed that « the security forces should make a commitment to strengthening collaboration amongst themselves, respecting ethics and professionalism and working for the population ».



The event ended with a footbal gala match which was won by a team of teachers against the security forces by a score of 2-0.



Before handing out the prizes, the director in charge of promoting youth, sports and leisure in Oumé, Traoré Siriki, who had chaired the event asked the men and women in uniform and civilians « to multiply their activities to promote social cohesion and to become ambassadors of peace in Oumé. »