Kambly and Kouyably villages in the Bakoubly Sub Prefecture, Toulepleu division, far west of Cote d'Ivoire have finally agreed to make peace after several years of dispute over land. A reconciliation ceremony was held on11 May 2014 in Kouyably village in the presence of representatives of the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI), administrative authorities and the population from both sides.



The coordinator of the UN Integrated office in Toulepleu, Helene Sylvie Zomahoun lauded the move by the two villages saying "this ceremony is proof that you have understood the message of UNOCI and that you are at last ready to continue efforts toward making peace and development a reality."



For his part, the Secretary-General of the Toulepleu Prefecture, Yao Dje expressed gratitude to the villages for their act and happiness to be part of this occasion to celebrate the restoration of unity, peace, and solidarity. He called on the population to massively take part in the ongoing population and housing census so that Cote d'Ivoire can have reliable statistics for its development.

The Sub Prefect of Kani, Henri Kah Pehe who is a son of the soil, promised that cadres of the region will ensure that the peace initiative is crowned with success for the wellbeing of their kith and kin. "This move you have taken in the presence of UNOCI will be recorded in history," he said.



On behalf of the youths of the two villages, Rossant Kouite expressed joy with the occasion saying "this reconciliation ceremony is for our honour and benefit because it's us who work on the land. The peaceful resolution of this conflict permits us to have plots of land to cultivate."