There are now many Ivorians refugees who would like to return to their country following the meeting in Zwedru, in Liberia between Ivorian and Liberia authorities during which an appeal was made exiles to return home so they can participate in the national reconciliation process and contribute to the post-crisis reconstruction of Côte d'Ivoire. In this regard the voluntary repatriation operation is continuing. The most recent being organised on Wednesday, 6 November 2013 with the arrival of 392 exiles representing 125 families in 15 trucks through Pékan Barrag

The convoy was escorted by a patrol of peacekeepers of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire who also provided potable water and security at the transit centre in Toulepleu, situated some 636 km west of Abidjan, where the returnees spent the night before going back to their respective villages in the area.



The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Caritas and the Service d'Aide et d'Assistance aux Réfugiés et Apatrides (SAARA) organised operation which is the 59th so far this year.

The returning refugees were welcomed by the deputy prefect of Tiobly, Kouassi Koffi, who on behalf of the Ivorian Government, assured them that the war is over and that Côte d'Ivoire is on the path of development. ''You are at home so do not be afraid. Get on the train to development and start working by asking for forgiveness from those you may have offended and forgive those who may have done you wrong during the post-electoral crisis," he said.



It should be noted that two people who arrived in the 59th convoy were part of the "Go and See" delegation which spent time in Côte d'Ivoire between 27 September and 3 October 2013 to see what progress had been made in the country with regard to a return to normality.