"{We are alone, isolated and forgotten. Since 2002, it is the first time that an international structure has comes to this village } ". That was what the chief of Mampleu, Gaston Digonla, said 23 November 2015 during a visit by a delegation of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) to the locality which is in the sous-prefecture of Goulaleu, in Zouan Hounien department.



The visit was part of UNOCI's awareness campaign to reinforce social cohesion and peaceful environment in the region.



Some 100 people attended the meeting, during which the UN Mission's sections discussed a number of issues with local people, such as child labour in mines, children's right to education, gender-based violence, development of the region, peaceful settlement of conflicts and land ownership disputes.



The village is located 7 kilometres from Toulepleu department and depends on local government in Zouan Hounien. It is not easily accessible due to the bad road conditions and has been in conflict with the neighbouring village of Doho which has already resulted in loss of lives.



"{Your presence shows that you are interested in what is happening in our village. With your support we will manage to peacefully resolve the land dispute between us and Doho. Therefore, I would like to thank you for organizing this activity,}" said the village chief.



The Coordinator of the United Nations Integrated Office in Toulepleu, Hélène Sylvie Zomahoun, who led the UN delegation, thanked the population for their mobilization. She urged them to constantly promote peace in order to develop Mampleu. She further pleaded for the strengthening of harmony and peace with Doho.



"{Conflicts exist everywhere but they should be solved through discussions. You should therefore strengthen the ties of friendship, solidarity and kinship between the two villages. You are not alone. We are with you. Any conflict can find a solution in a peaceful environment}", said Ms. Zomahoun.



For his part, the village chief, Mr. Digonla took the opportunity to make a plea for the construction of the village primary school to promote children's right to education. He also asked the UN mission to help them with the supply of potable water.