Secretary-General Welcomes Security Council Resolutions Authorizing Final Mandate Extension for Côte d’Ivoire Peacekeeping Mission, Lifting Sanctions

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the adoption earlier today of Security Council resolution 2284 (2016), extending the mandate of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) for a final period, until 30 June 2017, as well as Security Council resolution 2283 (2016), terminating the sanctions regime established pursuant to resolution 1572 (2004).

The Secretary-General welcomes the determination of the people and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire in overcoming the political and security crises that led to the deployment of UNOCI in April 2004.  It is the continued positive evolution of the situation in Côte d’Ivoire, including the successful conclusion of the presidential elections last year, which has enabled the United Nations to enter the final stage of peacekeeping in the country.

The Secretary-General recognizes the important role played by partners throughout the Ivorian crises, in particular the African Union, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), troop- and police-contributing countries, and the United Nations country team, which facilitated the achievements made by UNOCI.  The Secretary-General underscores the importance of the continued engagement of all partners during the transformation of the United Nations engagement in Côte d’Ivoire over the course of the next year, in particular through the United Nations country team, and following the closure of UNOCI.

The Secretary-General reiterates the United Nations’ continued commitment to Côte d’Ivoire.