HWPL Hosts “Peace Village” Event in Simonkro, Cote d’Ivoire

 

 

On January 31, 2024, HWPL hosted a “Peace Village” event in Cote d’Ivoire in a village called Simonkro. The event had more than 500 participants, including the village chief and representatives from different ethnic, religious, youth and women organizations.

The “Peace Village” event in Côte d’Ivoire is the first of its kind. The gathering was organized to address inter-ethnic conflicts within Côte d’Ivoire and promote peace and reconciliation.

In Côte d’Ivoire, three civil wars have resulted in numerous casualties. Deep wounds caused by conflicts perpetuating implicit inter-ethnic tensions have taken years to heal. Political conflicts have also been severe, often leading to violence and even bloodshed, particularly during election seasons and national events.

When it was decided that the 2024 African Cup would be hosted by Côte d’Ivoire, citizens were apprehensive about potential inter-ethnic conflicts taking place during the event. In response to these concerns, HWPL collaborated with the city of Yamoussoukro, the political capital in Côte d’Ivoire that had already signed an MOU with the organization. Together, they organized the “Peace Village” event in Simonkro, a neighboring village.

 

 

During the event, HWPL provided a platform for identifying and seeking solutions to the causes of conflicts occurring within the village. Over a two-week period, citizens from various sectors, including ethnic, youth, and women organizations, held four meetings. Participants actively engaged in discussions, and the majority expressed their desire to host the “Peace Village” event regularly.

“Such [an] event as the “Peace Village” should continue to be organized in Simonkro where many citizens participate and unite voluntarily,” said Nanan Behibro N’Goran, the village chief of Simonkro. He added, “I will do my best to support the work of HWPL in our village for further peace activities.”

News of the HWPL “Peace Village” event spread to surrounding areas and villages in just a few days. Currently, HWPL is receiving requests from various regions for its peace activities to be conducted in other areas. HWPL plans to proceed with organizing activities by focusing on cities and villages where inter-ethnic conflicts are most severe.