The United Nations Secretary-General’s special representative for West Africa and the Sahel, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, has called on all Ivorians to preserve unity and peace ahead of the presidential election.
Chambas made the call after visiting President Alassane Ouattara, the prime minister, officials from the election commission, the National Human Rights Council, and other civil society organisations (CSOs).
Chambas, it was learnt, visited the country to reaffirm the UN’s commitment for the organisation of a ‘peaceful, inclusive, transparent and credible’ presidential vote, which is scheduled for 31 October.
He urged all Ivorian political actors to reject the use of hate speech, violence, and all forms of sectarianism and to commit to a peaceful electoral process and a peaceful presidential poll.
The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, had called for peace following violence in response to Ouattara’s third term bid as he has been serving as the head of state since 2010.
The UN high commissioner for human rights, Michelle Bachelet, had also raised concerns over the electoral process in Ivory Coast.
She said ‘The rifts in society are likely to widen with the intensification of the political campaign and hardening of positions. We also note an increase in hate speech on social media.
‘I urge the authorities to ensure that the human rights of everyone are fully protected and respected in this important election period’.
Source: Anadolu Agency
Photo source: Abdallahh
