A workshop organized by the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) for some 60 civil society actors and local security forces including police, gendarmes, soldiers and water and forestry guards in Vavoua has stressed the need to maintain peaceful cohabitation and harmony. The workshop was opened on 6 March 2014 in the presence of local administrative authorities led by the Prefect of the division, Pierre Mbassidje Ncho.



"This workshop aims at bringing the population and local security forces to identify the causes of conflict and to find solutions to them. It is also meant to wipe out memories of the unfortunate incidents of January 2012 and create conditions for harmonious cohabitation between the forces of law and order and the population," the UNOCI Coordinator for Sector West, Ousmane Kane said.



The traditional chief of Vavoua Koua Bi Troli called on the military to return to the barracks and leave matters of security to the police and gendarmes. He also called for the reduction of the number of checkpoints.

The forces of law and order for their part proposed regular meetings in general and sporting activities in particular with the population in order to restore confidence.



The forum also permitted the different sections of UNOCI to present their role in accomplishing the UN mandate in Cote d'Ivoire. The Political Affairs division stressed on UN Resolution 2112 outlining the main goals of UNOCI's mandate including the protection of civilians, the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process, security sector reform, political dialogue and national reconciliation.



Friendly football matches between civilians and the forces were played in order to promote social cohesion, the spirit of fair play and togetherness.