- BASIC INFORMATION ON « 1000 MICROPROJECTS »

Abidjan, 14 August 2008....The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Y.J. Choi, launched "the 1000 micro-projects" initiative for the socio-economic reinsertion of ex-combatants and young people at risk on Thursday, 14 August 2008, in Bouaké. Thirty former combatants from Bouaké and surrounding areas received support from the UN Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) on this occasion.

Speaking at the launch, which also marked the start of a 14-21 August tour of various parts of northern and western Côte d'Ivoire, Mr Choi said the four-million-dollar micro-project initiative was indicative of the international community's support for the strengthening of peace and stability in Côte d'Ivoire. "We wish to help you in your effort to restore peace, which is possible thanks to the elections, set for 30 November next," Mr Choi said.

He recalled that meeting this challenge was possible if accompanied by the efficient and utilitarian reinsertion of ex-combatants and youths at risk. Mr Choi promised that UNOCI would continue along that path with the support of its partners: the National Programme for Reintegration and Community Rehabilitation (PNRRC), Germany and the World Bank. "Other donors will join this initiative if the test of the 1000 micro-projects succeeds," he predicted.

On behalf of the Ivorian government, the representative of the Prime Minister, Koffi Koffi Paul, thanked the international community, and in particular UNOCI, which, he said, had done much to promote reinsertion, which is indispensable to the holding of upcoming elections. "The time has come for the intentions expressed here and there to be concretized for the benefit of our young people, who became familiar with the use of weapons, and are now seeking reinsertion into active life," he said. Mr Koffi stated that this assistance from ONUCI, whose partner is the UN Development Programme, will help young people to regain their place in their respective communities.

For his part, the spokesman of the ex-combatants, Koné Moyabi, thanked UNOCI for its support. "Your presence is a source of hope for us because the 1,000 micro-projects will enable us to resume normal lives for a better tomorrow," he said, asking for an additional effort on their behalf.

Reintegration is a major concern for the population of the village of Oliénou, where Mr Choi laid the cornerstone for a school. The village's spokesman, Mamadou Lo, said a new dawn had come to the locality of 15,000 souls, presented as a model of regional and sub-regional integration, but which suffers from the loss of its values, stemming from a lack of education.
« Drugs, AIDS, alcohol, prostitution – major scourges in our region – could diminish if our children were able to go to school, » said Mr Lo.

The highlight of Thursday's ceremony, which began with libations, was a visit to three micro-projects in pig-rearing (21 pigs for seven beneficiaries), cattle-rearing (50 head of cattle for 12 beneficiaries) and poultry-farming (11 beneficiaries). The head of UNOCI then offered 20 bicycles and some umbrellas to the ex-combatants.

The head of Operation Licorne, Gen Philippe Houblon, the Forces Nouvelles' Zone Commander for Bouaké, Chérif Ousmane, traditional chiefs and an enthusiastic population took part in the ceremony which, for the local inhabitants, symbolized the materialisation of a return to normal life, the light at the end of a dark tunnel that had been much too long.

Mr Choi is scheduled to go to Séguéla, Korhogo, Odiénné, Guiglo, Issia, Daloa and San Pedro to pursue his sensitization and information mission on the support provided by UNOCI within the framework of « 1000 Micro-Projects ».