The UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI), in collaboration with prefectural authorities, held a workshop on 20th May 2014 aimed at improving the administrative capacity of community leaders in the Zagne Sub Prefecture, 675 km west of Abidjan.



The training centred on broadening the chiefs' understanding of their role, the exercise of traditional authority, community management, the issue of good governance and human rights.



Discussions focused on practical experiences that would better guide decision-making in the interest of the population.



In view of the fact government and its partners consider community leadership as an indispensable advantage in the community stabilization and reconciliation process, the workshop focused essentially on equipping the custodians of traditional lore and customs with practical tools to enable them identify acts that impinge on human rights and indicators of trouble or conflict in order for them to apply the most appropriate methods of conflict management.



The Coordinator of UNOCI's Office in tai, Yvon Mabofe stressed that " good governance, respect of human rights, transparent management of daily affairs, proper management of the sensibilities of their subjects are all part of the best ingredients for a lasting peace in our villages."



The Prefect of Tai division, Aka Kouassi Bio who presided over the workshop said he believed the initiative would make the village chiefs, who are auxiliaries of the administration, to be more responsible and to be more aware of their role in the social stabilization and reconciliation process in the Zagne Sub Prefecture of Tai division.