The Security Sector Reform Division of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI), on Wednesday, 30 March 2016, organised its monthly debate and discussion with civil society, representatives of political parties and security officials on the theme : ‘’Citizen control and Public Action’’ at the Mission’s headquarters in Abidjan.

The guest speaker at the event was the President of the International Centre for Law and Development and President of Business Court of Côte d’Ivoire, Professor François Komoin.

Speaking on public administration, Professor Komoin revealed that corruption was present. He then pleaded for greater control of public powers, adding that this control was only possible with a credible civil society. « Civil society organisations themselves have to be credible if they are to exercise control over public actions », he said.

However, he stressed that a platform which controls public actions should not be used for political reasons. Control of public actions consists for example of ensuring that the State budget voted by Parliament is being used for the right purpose. It also means knowing whether local authority finances are being used in the interest of the people. « In other words to ensure that the administration is working for the people and that the State is doing what it is supposed to do, » added Prof Komoin.

Professeur François Komoin returned to the issue of corruption which he said had harmful consequences on the life of a nation. For him, those found guilty of corruption should be punished. « The laws are there. By not applying the laws which exist, we encourage others to practice corruption. There should be strong commitment to dealing with corruption because it is a cancer which destroys a nation, » he declared..