The weekly meeting between the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) and its partners involved in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) of ex-combatants took place at the National Police College on Thursday 17 October 2013.



The Deputy Special Representative of UN Secretary-General for Cote d'Ivoire and Coordinator of the UN System, Ndolamb Ngokwey presided over the meeting in the presence of representatives of the AU, EU, Japanese Cooperation, German Cooperation, the International Organisation for Migration as well as the embassies of France and Spain.



Mr. Ngokwey remarked that it was the first time the meeting was taking place outside UNOCI HQ and that it marks the importance the development partners attach to current reforms within the national police including the Police College.

After a review of activities by UNOCI DDR and Security Sector Reform (SSR) offices, the Secretary gave a situation report on the ongoing projects. He thanked the international community for its intervention and hailed the participation of more than 40 UN police in the reform exercise since April; the office and computer equipment as well as the logistic support provided by UNOCI and the UN Development Programme (UNDP); making available an international expert and the financing of a seminar for officials of the Ministry of Interior and Security in order for them to take ownership of the process.



The Deputy Special Representative informed the meeting of the continuation of efforts to get the competent authorities to give the necessary support for the continuation of the reform exercise whose importance deserves special attention.