Identify the obstacles to strengthening social cohesion between the different communities and propose solutions to reduce social tensions, especially between warring groups over the control of the village's leadership: this was the aim of a series of meetings organised for residents in Yelleu, a village in the sous-préfecture of Zouan-Hounien, in the extreme west of Côte d'Ivoire. The meetings were held on 28, 29 and 30 April 2015 on the initiative of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI). Opinion leaders, traditional and community leaders, representatives of women's and youth associations and civil society groups gathered to discuss the issue during three days.



Moved by the results of their work, the village chief, Claver Dié Kayedo, speaking on behalf of the people thanked UNOCI for organising the meetings which had given everyone the opportunity to express themselves, try to understand each other and further reflect on how best to strengthen social cohesion for the development of their locality. « The platform that you provided for us during these three days gave us the opportunity to talk to each other, try to heal our wounds and think about the development of our locality, he said.



The Coordinator of the United Nations Integrated Office in Toulepleu, Hélène Sylvie Zomahoun, explained that UNOCI's presence in their village was a sign of the UN Mission's determination to work for a peaceful and prosperous Côte d'Ivoire. « In Yelleu we have tried to overcome a major challenge during three days and that is to strengthen social cohesion between communities so that your village can becove a peace haven. So let's all work together, hand in hand, in implementing the solutions that you yourselves have found so that peace and social cohesion can return to your village, » she said.



The deputy prefect of Zouan Hounien, Amadou Comoé thanked UNOCI on behalf of the villagers for its initiative in organising the meetings. « Thank you UNOCI for having chosen Yelleu from among the 60 villages in the sous-préfecture. We welcome your presence with joy because you wanted to help us to work to strengthen social cohesion so that the sons and daughters of this village can speak to eahc other, work together for lasting development, », said Mr. Comoé. He then asked the people of Yelleu to think hard about the resolutions that came out of the meetings and to try to ensure that the problems in the village are peacefully resolved in order to unite everyone.

Some of the recommendations made during the meetings were directly addressed to the Ivorian Government, including residents plea for their roads to be made passable, especially between Teapleu-Cavally which would involve rehabilitating the wooden bridge. They also asked for potable water, a market, extension of electricity and providing them with agricultural tools. Yelleu also wants a cultural centre built, three new classrooms, assistance in carrying out sensitisation on the need to end gender-based violence.



It should be noted that Yelleu is a cosmopolitan village with some 5000 inhabitants. It is now the capital of the sous-préfecture and expected to soon have its first deputy prefect.