UNOCI prepares high-level UN mission to western Cote d’Ivoire
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The Deputy Special Representative of UN Secretary-General in Cote d'Ivoire, Mr. Babacar Cisse on 29 January 2015 held a working session with administrative authorities in Duekoue, Bagohouo, Guiglo and Bangolo as a prelude to a visit to the western part of the country by the head of the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI), Mrs. Aichatou Mindaoudou.
« I am in the western region to ensure that projects for the community reinsertion programme are effectively being executed in view of a forthcoming visit of the UNOCI Chief and heads of UN agencies, » Mr. Cisse told the administrative authorities and beneficiaries of UNOCI's quick impact projects (QIPs) that were launched in the areas concerned. He drew a balance sheet of commitments made by the UN Mission since Mrs. Mindaoudou's visit in February 2014 and noted that about 90% of some projects were completed.
In Duekoue, the Secretary-General of the Prefecture, Kouame Yao thanked UNOCI for initiatives taken in favour of the population within the context of the consolidation of peace and social cohesion.
In Bangolo, the divisional Prefect, Gbale Mahama indicated that projects initiated by the UN Mission could provide healthy work for the young beneficiaries and contribute significantly to the reduction of banditry and violence.
In Guiglo, the Prefect of the Cavally region, Messamba Kone said he was fully engaged in preparations for the 2015 presidential election and expressed the concerns of the administration related to the stop in the repatriation of Ivorian exiles in Liberia owing to the Ebola pandemic. « We need more support from the UN in favour of those who want to return from Liberia. We would also like the reinforcement of security along the border to preempt any attacks, » he stressed.
Responding to these concerns, the Deputy Chief of UNOCI indicated that working sessions have been held with administrative authorities to find the best way to repatriate the exiles in Liberia. Speaking of the role of UNOCI in forthcoming elections, Mr. Cisse was clear. « We have a mandate to assist the elections and a mandate for good offices which consists of, among other things, the creation of a peaceful electoral, environment before, during and after the election. Advocacy work is taking place with political actors, » he explained.
The second leg of the visit took Mr. Cisse's delegation to Tabou where he discussed the persistent problem of insecurity, especially in the Grabo area, with the secretary-general of the Prefecture and the Sub Prefect. The delegation visited three projects piloted by the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) including shelter for returning refugees, and income-generating activities such as livestock raising and hair dressing salons for returnees.
On 30 January in Man, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Prefect of the region and the Legal Clinic jointly financed by the EU, UNDP, UNICEF and UNOCI within the framework of the project for the improvement of access to rights and justice in Cote d'Ivoire, PALAJ.