The President of Côte d'Ivoire, Mr. Alassane Ouattara, heads of institutions, Government officials and military authorities, as well as members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of United Nations agencies and the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI participated in the celebration of International United Nations Peacekeepers Day commemorated exceptionally on 28 May 2015 in Côte d'Ivoire.



The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Mrs Aichatou Mindaoudou read out the message of United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon. The message, published to mark International Peacekeepers Day highlighted the achievements made by peacekeeping personnel of need during the 70 years of the existence of the Organisation. He also stressed the important role of peacekeepers: Through years of struggle and sacrifice, the iconic blue helmet has earned its place as a symbol of hope to millions of people living in war-ravaged lands".

The message also stressed the need for peacekeeping operations to adapt to the new global realities.



In his address at the ceremony, President Ouattara expressed the gratitude of the Ivorian people and Government to UNOCI, who has supported Ivorians in their return to peace during 11 years. "You are with the Ivorian people who are the main artisans of the return to peace and national reconciliation," said the Ivorian President, who took the opportunity to congratulate UNOCI and the Special Representative for her discreet but important good offices.



He paid tribute to all the peacekeepers who had died in Côte d'Ivoire since the UN Mission was established in 2004.



Turning to the forthcoming presidential election, the Ivorian President pleaded for UNOCI to continue its support with regard to making contact with other partners in an effort to mobilise resources, technical assistance and the monitoring of the election. "I'm counting on your assistance for the presidential election in 2015, which could attest to the solidity of our institution, all of this in order to avoid a return to old demons".



Regarding the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reinsertion (DDR) of ex-combatants, Mr. Ouattara expressed the hope that UNOCI's contribution will continue in order to accelerate the achievement of this process as well as that of the Reform of the Security Sector (RSS).

On the issue of reconciliation and compensation of victims, the President of Côte d'Ivoire said that he hoped UNOCI would continue to provide its experience on two stages. "The remaining task is important and we will continue to need UNOCI to accompany us and stay with us for some time after the elections in 2015"

The Day's celebration was marked by a military parade by peacekeepers, the reading of the names of UNOCI personnel who had died in the service of peace between 2004 and 2015, and the laying of wreaths by the Ivorian President and the Head of UNOCI in their memory.



At the end of the ceremony, President Alassane Ouattara and several Ivorian and foreign personalities visited a photographic exhibition retracing UNOCI's history in the service of peace in support of Ivorians during 11 years.

International United Nations Peacekeepers Day was established to pay homage to all the women and men serving the cause of humanity with United Nations Peacekeeping Operations and to honour the memory of those who lost their lives in doing so.



Today, more than 107,000 uniformed peacekeepers from 122 troop- and police-contributing countries are serving in 16 missions.