The grassroots campaign team of the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) known as ONUCI-Tour visited Blole village, 660 km west of Man on Friday 10 October 2014 to discuss the involvement of the people in the strengthening of social cohesion.

Representatives of the UNOCI Bangladeshi police contingent, the Civil Affairs section and the Public Information Office spoke on various topics including the values of the culture of peace, respect of human rights and authority, the peaceful settlement of conflicts and the reinforcement of social cohesion.

For his part, the Sub Prefect of Man Central, Claude Gervaise Djehere stressed the importance of the meeting and thanked UNOCI for the initiative. "If we don't work hand-in-hand, if we don't make the culture of peace part of our daily lives, all our efforts towards the prosperity of the country would be in vain. I urge you to be involved, with the assistance of UNOCI, in building the peace," she implored.

Speaking on behalf of the notables of Blole and neighbouring villages, the Chief of Blole, Joseph Douan called on his people to take ownership of the reconciliation process by taking concrete steps to ensure peace.

The spokesman of the agricultural cooperative which unites the population, Rene Bah requested UNOCI's technical and financial assistance within the framework of its quick impact projects programme in order to reintegrate ex-combatants who are natives of the village.