The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Côte d’Ivoire, Aïchatou Mindaoudou, participated in a ceremony to pay tribute to the victims of the attack on 13 March 2016, organized by the Minister of Solidarity, Social Cohesion and Victim Compensation on Sunday, 20 March 2016 at the construction site of Grand-Bassam Cathedral.

The ceremony was held in the presence of the President of Côte d’Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara, the First Lady, members of the Government, political, civilian, military and traditional authorities, residents of Grand-Bassam, representatives of diplomatic missions and international organisations accredited to Côte d’Ivoire.

Part of the ceremony involved the pouring of libation, prayers, a minute’s silence in memory of the dead and speeches in support of the victims, the injured and their families. Messages praising the actions of the security forces, medical corps and all those involved in helping to manage the situation as well as those who support the security of the country, including the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI), were made during the event.

In addition, the Minister of Solidarity, Social Cohesion and Victims Compensation, Professor Mariatou Koné, announced that President Ouattara was going to make a donation to support victims, their heirs, traditional leaders, women, youths and the security forces.

The ceremony consisted of speeches by the Mayor of Grand-Bassam, the spokesperson for the Victims, the Minister of Solidarity, Social Cohesion and Victims Compensation and the Minister of the Interior and Security, Hamed Bakayoko who urged Ivorians not to be afraid.