The Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations and Head of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), Mrs. Aïchatou Mindaoudou, on 3 February 2016, inaugurated two projects financed by the Mission and aimed at strengthening the capacities of the National Assembly, in accordance with relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council. The hand-over ceremony was held in the presence of the Vice-President of the National Assembly, Amah Marie Tehoua.



The two projects which have been implemented under the "Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) programme of the Mission, were approved following a request made by members of the Ivorian parliament asking UNOCI to empower the institution in its efforts to consolidate peace and security in the country.



The first project, titled '' Parliamentary Assistance Project and delivery of information technology equipment to the National Assembly of Côte d'Ivoire" provided the six committees of the Ivorian National Assembly with a pool of 34 parliamentary assistants and eighteen 18 computers, while the second project renovated and equipped the reprographic and the server room of the institution.



Speaking at the ceremony, the Special Representative praised Ivorian MPs for discussing and voting the Military Planning and the Internal Security acts which, according to her constitute, the backbone of Security Sector Reform in Côte d'Ivoire.





Objectives were achieved



Ms. Mindaoudou also congratulated MPs for the role played by their institution in the promotion of human rights, the respect for the rule of law; for taking into account gender in the work, as well as for their work in the prevention and management of conflicts. She reiterated the commitment of UNOCI and the United Nations system to contribute more to efforts aimed at strengthening the capacities of the Ivorian National Assembly in order to foster genuine and effective governance in the Security sector and in other areas.



Speaking about the Convention between the National Assembly and UNOCI signed on April 2013, the Vice-President of the National Assembly, Amah Marie Tehoua said that "objectives were achieved." According to her, "this protocol has allowed sustained cooperation, permanent contacts and fruitful activities undertaken by the two parties."



As for the ceremony, the Vice President said "it was a clear sign that an important step had been taken to improve the quality of MPs' work."