UNOCI's grassroots mobile sensitisation programme known as "ONUCI Tour" made a stopover in Tie Ine village in the Zagnan district of Bangolo division, 543 km north-west of Abidjan on 5 November 2013. Discussions with the population centred on social cohesion and human and children's rights.



"Gender-based violence such as female circumcision and rape are acts that do not promote social cohesion," the representative of UNOCI's Public Information Office pointed out. He said mistreatment, bullying and keeping children away from school were unacceptable and deplorable.



Jonas Siekpo of the NGO "Bonne Action", which accompanied the UNOCI delegation, laid emphasis on the respect for village chiefs who are the embodiment of unity and social cohesion. "The orders of the chief apply to every person. They must be respected for the wellbeing of all and the development of the village," he said.



UNOCI Police (UNPOL) and Security representatives explained their role in ensuring the security of civilians in collaboration with Ivorian forces.



For his part, the Chief of Tie Ine village, Alphonse Gnombllehi said social cohesion was the order of the day in his village. Several committees on peace, land disputes, and maintenance had been put in place to reinforce social cohesion and development.



Following the presentations made by the visitors, the population asked questions related to peace, alleged racketeering by members of the Ivorian Armed Forces (FRCI), the release of political detainees, the issue of traditional hunters known as Dozos, land ownership and the former occupants of Mount Peko.