Security forces and community leaders in Zouan-Hounien, situated at some 680 km west of Abidjan, have made a commitment to improve mutual collaboration at the end of a workshop of reflection organised by the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) on Wednesday, 16 March 2016.

Focusing on the general theme of ‘’Strengthening cohabitation between security forces and local people to promote reconciliation, consolidate peace and reinforce social cohesion’’, the workshop provided an opportunity for some 40 participants from the Gendarmerie, the Forces Républicaines de Côte d’Ivoire (FRCI), Water and Forest Agents, the Customs Service, youth and women’s organisations and civil society groups to examine their cooperation and make recommendations on how things could be improved.

In this regard, participants noted that among the obstacles that adversely affected relations between the two groups were abuse of authority, and racketeering by the security forces. With regard to people’s attitude, the security forces accused them of not always respecting the law and also their mistrust and fear of the forces, as well as their lack of knowledge about the attributes of the security agents.

Finally, in order to improve relations between the two groups, the security forces and local people in Zouan-Hounien decided to create a framework of periodical exchanges, organise social, cultural and sports events together in an effort to improve communication.

To the Government and UNOCI, participants at the workshop in Zouan-Hounien recommended the organisation of regular sensitization and training workshops, improving the equipment used by the security forces, opening a local police station, finding a solution to the illegal occupation of classified forests and continuing the fight against impunity.

Earlier in the workshop, presentations on various issues were made by UNOCI personnel in an effort to give impetus to the discussions. These included a presentations on the ‘’Contribution of security forces and community leaders in the promotion and respect of human rights for a peaceful social climate’’ by Human Rights Officer Clément Dago; ‘’Local Police’’ by Augustin Ndabicura and ‘’Progress and challenges in the protection of civilians within the framework of peace consolidation’’ by Civil Affairs Officers Helene Sylvie Zomahoun and Sylvie Konan.

This theme is pertinent when we consider the sad events in Grand-Bassam

The deputy prefect of Banneu, Charles Amani Koffi, who presided over the opening and closing ceremonies of the workshop, thanks UNOCI for providing an opportunity to bring the two groups closer together, before directly addressing participants. « This theme is pertinent when we consider the sad events in Grand-Bassam. Security forces and local people must speak to each other in order to protect our locaIity », he said.

For his part, the first deputy mayor, Vincent Kamin, asked that political considerations should not spoil the relationship between local people and security forces. To conclude, the UN Office Coordinator in Toulepleu, Hélène Sylvie Zomahoun, urged the two sides to create a symbiotic relationship so that civilians can be better protected.

The workshop also included football matches in which teams comprising security forces and local youths took part. The UNOCI Peace Trophy was won by the Maracana Club of Zouan-Hounien who defeated Club de Brunoville by 5 goals to 1.