The UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) has been holding celebrations in different parts of the country to mark the International Peace Day commemorated on the 21 September each year.

The activities include roundtable conferences, cultural and sporting events, radio programmes and sensitization meetings.

In the Haut Sassandra region, a public discussion was held on 23 September 2014 in Vrouho village in the Vavoua division, some 100 km from Daloa city. The Sub Prefect of Vavoua, Kone Vacaba was in attendance.

A representative of UNOCI Political Affairs division led a delegation to Vrouho with a message urging the population to create a peaceful environment in view of the 2015 presidential election. "An election is after all a game. Do not indulge in violence when your candidate loses. He might lose one election and yet win another one," he advised.

The Chief of Vrouho 2, Zeli Bi Bali expressed gratitude to the UN Mission for its constant support while the Bangladeshi contingent distributed potable water to the needy.

In Guitry, celebrations took place on 19 September in the form of a roundtable conference on the theme: "the right of people to peace". Some 50 participants including representatives of the administration, traditional, community and religious authorities, representatives of women's and youth groups and political parties all stood up for the idea of promoting peaceful coexistence in the Guitry area.

On the sideline, the Director of Guitry hospital, Ludovic Bogbe took turn to talk about the Ebola virus disease and sentise the population on preventive measures adopted by the government.

In Mbengue, 660 km north of Abidjan, the event was marked by sports and drama sketches on the theme of political tolerance and land disputes. The topic of discussion centred on the contribution of the youths to peace and reconciliation. The Prefect of Mbengue, Claude Raymond Djike urged the population to put emphasis on public interest and think about the development of the Poro region. The message of the UN Secretary-General was read while a minute silence was observed for peace throughout the world.

In Toulepleu, a workshop was organised for members of the Toulepleu development union on post crisis reconstruction, the fight against gender-based violence and early pregnancies in schools.

In Mona village, Guiglio division, UNOCI human rights officials and UN Police spoke to the population about their respective mandates while an Ivorian health official spoke about preventive measures against the Ebola virus. Public speaking was followed by sporting competitions.

In the Gontougo region, International Peace Day was marked by a special radio programme on radio Tanda Fm in which Prefectural and municipal authorities took part. The secretary-general of the municipality, Kouadio Kakou reminded the audience that "peace is not a vain word, but a habit" and called on the population to change their attitude. Health officials also took the opportunity to sensitise the population on the Ebola virus putting emphasis on the symptoms and preventive measures.

In the Sub Prefecture of Rubino, about 100 km from Abidjan, a combination of information and training marked the commemoration of International Peace Day which centred on the theme: "the contribution of opinion leaders in Rubino to the consolidation of peace, the promotion of national reconciliation and development." The deputy Mayor of Rubino, Hubert Dessi said the choice of Rubino, an area marked by land disputes by competing multiple ethnic and community interests linked to the development of rubber, cocoa and oil palm plantations, was a well-considered choice.

The Secretary-General of the Prefecture of Agboville, Eli Abion called on the population to banish extremism, radicalism and violence in order to become artisans of peace and development. Participants at the Rubino roundtable conference were educated on the priorities of UN Security Council Resolution 2162 outlining the current mandate of UNOCI as well as being sensitized on

the Ebola virus fever and how to prevent it.