Divo, 12 April 2010... The new Force Commander of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), Major General Abdul Hafiz, conducted, on Friday 9 April 2010, his first visit to UNOCI military and civil staff based in the town of Divo.

Presenting the security and military situation in the Sud Bandama and Fromager regions to the Force Commander, the mission's military observers and officers of the Moroccan battalion, supported by the heads of UNOCI sections in Divo, stressed the efforts made in the field to accompany Ivorians in the crisis-resolution process.

Major General Hafiz encouraged them to continue these efforts and to maintain good relations with their hosts. "Remain on good terms with the people, political leaders, administrative authorities such as the prefects and sub-prefects, the heads of the Defence and Security Forces and youths leaders in order to explain our mandate and foster trust between the population and UNOCI," he said.

The Moroccan contingent, military observers and UNPOL carry out daily patrols, observe the embargo, escort humanitarian convoys and monitor the observance of the ceasefire in the region. Additionally, the Moroccan soldiers provide free medical care to area residents.