The UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) on Wednesday 12 March 2014 organised a meeting with community, political and religious leaders as well as administrative authorities from Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire in the border town of Tai, 720 km in the extreme west of Abidjan to examine issues of common interest. These include land problems, the fight against the proliferation of small and light arms, the return and reintegration of refugees and displaced persons, cross-border security and the free movement of people and goods.



The aim was to consolidate peace, promote reconstruction, cross-border security and initiate the development of Tai.

The head of the UNOCI delegation, Yvon Mabofe of the Human Rights Division said Tai must overcome several challenges including the restoration of peace and promoting its development. She said this was an opportunity to reflect on new orientation for this post-crisis period and to lay the basis for a lasting peace for future generations.



The Secretary-General of the Prefecture of Tai, Moussa Dao urged participants to be involved in the dynamic for peace and reconciliation, adding "It's all the more reason for us to work in synergy so as to overcome the challenges of stability and security."

Participants looked into issues of bilateral collaboration as their spokesman, Joseph Gloade, called on the authorities to facilitate the movement of people and goods by constructing a pontoon over the Cavally river. He further requested the holding of socio-cultural events between the Ivorian and Liberian communities in order to break the barriers of mistrust and boost the dynamic for peace.