Divo, 31 August 2009...The United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) participated, on 29 August 2009 in Divo, in a ceremony marking the end of a football tournament for peace organized by the Coordination of New Forces (FN) of Sud Bandama region.

The tournament, which was under the theme of 'Peace through football', was launched three weeks ago. Teams representing various districts of Divo took part. It ended on Saturday with a match opposing UNOCI, represented by its Moroccan battalion (MORBAT) and young members of the town's civil society. The event was attended by administrative, political and traditional authorities, representatives of FN, the Patriotic Galaxy and the Rally of Republicans, and area residents. The some 2000 spectators who saw the match – which Morbat won by 1 goal to 0 – were also able to hear messages of peace, unity and social cohesion delivered by several speakers at the ceremony.

The head of UNOCI's Public Information Office in Divo, Samy Passalet, underlined the importance of sport for the promotion of peace and social cohesion. "This sports initiative, football for peace, demonstrates adequately that sport is an essential tool for peace and a pedagogical tool for the integration of youths," said Passalet, who also expressed the mission's commitment to activities aimed at promoting peace. "Given that sport constitutes the lung of a universal education that transmits values such as tolerance, cooperation and respect, UNOCI, in accordance with its mandate, welcomes this initiative, which contributes to the promotion of peace in Côte d'Ivoire," he said.

The president of the ceremony, Mamadou Traoré, who represented the Prime Minister, paid homage to UNOCI for its contribution to the consolidation of peace. "Without UNOCI, the process of identification and voter registration would have been impossible," he stated. "Thanks to the UN mission, the electoral process is secured. It should keep on supporting us so that the upcoming elections are clean."

Minister Zakpa Komenan Roland, for his part, welcomed the actions of UNOCI and reassured his audience on the good relationship between Divo's inhabitants and the UN mission. "There is no longer any lack of understanding between the population and UNOCI here in Divo," he indicated. "There is now unanimity around this mission, which helps our populations a lot."

The Sous-Préfet of Divo, Zébé Tétiali, also welcomed the support given by UNOCI to peace and social cohesion in Côte d'Ivoire. "We've had stormy times, but now the population regards UNOCI's actions and activities in the region of Sud Bandama positively. Thanks to the mission, youth representatives from all departments have been trained on the electoral process. This UN mission will also help us to certify elections in order to consolidate peace," he stated.

The president of the organization committee, Vazoumana Jack Koné, explained that his group "organized this tournament of peace, associating UNOCI, in order to deliver a strong message". For his part, the head of the traditional chiefs, Adiko Paul, said: "The peace that has been restored must be strengthened".

UNOCI received an honorary diploma from the organizers of the tournament, who said it was a token of the gratitude of the population of Divo towards the UN mission for the actions and activities UNOCI conducts on behalf of the Ivorian population.