Strengthening social cohesion and promoting peace and national reconciliation were at the centre of sensitisation sessions organised by the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) on 25 July 2013 in Fengolo and Bouapé in the departments of Duékoué and Adzopé.



In Fengolo, during the session which was part of UNOCI's sensitisation campaign aimed at local communities, the Civil Affairs, Human Rights, Public Information and UN Police sections of the Mission discussed with participants, the importance of living together in peace and accepting one another.



Speaking at the end of the discussions, which were followed by different presentations by UNOCI personnel, the Village Chief of Fengolo, Zacharie Boblahet Dejaï, expressed the hope that social cohesion will be at the centre of the concerns of the 38 encampements which make up Fengolo. « We have already started sensitisation sessions in our localities. We are counting on UNOCI's support to help us resolve the land problem, so that peace can return amongst us, » he said.



In Bouapé, the Public Information Office and UN Police urged traditional chiefs, community leaders, representatives of youth groups and women's associations, to teach the population the value of tolerance, peace and social cohesion.



While explaining the mandate of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire, the UNOCI representatives reaffirmed the Mission's determination to work closely with Ivorians. They also urged them to take charge of the peace and reconciliation process.

A question and answer session gave UNOCI personnel the opportunity to address the concerns of participants at both events.