The Security Sector Reform (SSR) Division of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), on Friday, 29 May 2015, organised the 28th edition of its monthly lunchtime discussions with civil society actors. The theme of the day was ''Civil Society Perspective on Security of Elections in 2015''. The discussions were chaired by the Principal Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (PDSRSG) for Côte d'Ivoire, Simon Munzu.



In his contribution to the debate, Martin Gohr from the Fridriech Ebert Stiftung Foundation, the organisation which supports the lunchtime discussion programme, highlighted the interest that the Foundation has in ensuring a successful reform of the security sector in order to establish a democratic armed forces. He stressed that in order to do so, all state actors and civil society must be closely involved in the process. « All actors at every level must take an active part in the peace and SSR process, » he said.

The PDSRSG, for his part, told participants : « SSR, the holding of elections, security around elections, should be top priority for the State. However, we will never tire of saying that in order to fulfill these missions, the State will need to constantly collaborate other interested parties in Côte d'Ivoire, such as civil society. So you have a role to play, you should make yourselves heard, you should make a positive contribution, while criticising when its necessary in order to draw attention to the fact that things are not being done as they should be. This is your rights and responsibility ».



The Director of the Legal Clinic of Bouaké, Constance Tokpa, a member of the Association of Women Lawyers and one of the panelists, stressed the important role of civil society which must work side by side with State actors in the organisation of elections. While reiterating her confidence in international organisations, Mrs Tokpa expressed the hope that security issues would be completely resolved before elections are organised.



In her presentation, the President of Fondation Terre d'Esperance and panelist, Marie Laure Kindo Assandoi, who is also a member of civil society said that the Ivorian Constitution could be the basis of the conflicts which the country had witnessed. She recalled that the 2010 election were held thanks to special decree and that President Alassane Ouattara had promised to put the Constitution on the table so that whatever caused conflict could be debated. « Unfortunately during the current mandate, nothing was done. We had drawn attention to this issue but again nothing was done. So we are asking ourselves on what basis are we going to organise elections this year because in order to organise elections we need the texts, among which the Constitution is the fundamental text. We believe that it would be a good thing for the Constitution to be properly discussed, », said Mrs Kindo Assandoi, expressing the hope that a consensus can be found which will in turn lead to a lasting solution.



The final speaker, Karamoko Diakité, president of the Light Weapons Network in West Africa/Côte d'Ivoire section, highlighted the circulation of light weapons, arms used by traditional hunters commonly known as Dozos and ex-combatants. He said that these elements were a threat and aggravated fear among the populations in several regions in the country. He said that despite all the efforts that had been undertaken, traditonal hunters were still circulation with their arms, adding that the issue of ex-combatants has not been completely resolved.