The Security Sector Reform Office of the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) on 10 June 2014 organised a 3-day training programme for some 50 members of the Ivorian Armed Forces in Daloa aimed at promoting an efficient and responsible army at the service of the civilian population.

UNOCI's security sector reform representative, Mamadou Toure said the training covered topics dealing with international military norms and ethics at the officers and rank and file levels of the army and concepts including human security, human rights and international humanitarian law as well as the integration of women into the armed forces.

On the sidelines of the course, football matches involving civilians and members of the gendarmerie and military schools in Toroguhe and Yamoussoukro, the Republican Guards and the Moroccan and Niger contingents of the UNOCI Force were held with the aim of breaking the barrier of mistrust and create a climate of confidence between the civilian population and the military.

The Chief of the Ivorian 2nd battalion in Daloa, Ibrahima Doumbia expressed satisfaction with UNOCI's constant support to Ivorian authorities. « We are very happy with UNOCI's initiative to create social cohesion and harmony between the different armed forces and the civilian population. It is important that we inspire confidence in the people we are supposed to protect, » he acknowledged.



A similar training course is scheduled for Bouake.