ABIDJAN, February 14, 2024 – In a significant move to enhance its nationwide civil protection capabilities, Côte d'Ivoire, Japan, and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) formalized a tripartite agreement on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. The agreement, overseen by Minister of the Interior and Security Vagondo Diomandé, includes both funding and direct project support designed to bolster the National Civil Protection Office (ONPC).
Civil Protection in Côte d'Ivoire: A Shared Priority
The agreement signifies a shared commitment to enhancing the ONPC's operational reach and effectiveness across Côte d'Ivoire. Minister Diomandé noted that the collaboration will focus on several key areas: the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, the creation of additional training and operational spaces, the provision of vital equipment, and the initiation of targeted awareness campaigns to foster deeper community engagement with civil protection measures.
A Gift from Japan to strengthen Côte d'Ivoire's Civil Protection
Sugiyama Hiroki, the Japanese charge d'affaires to Côte d'Ivoire, emphasized the significance of the Japanese government's contribution of approximately 2 billion FCFA to support these crucial civil protection initiatives. This generous gift reflects a broader commitment to regional stability and security.
UNDP: Partnering for Civil Protection and Social Cohesion in Côte d'Ivoire
Carol Flore-Smereczniak, the UNDP resident representative in Côte d'Ivoire, positioned this agreement as a continuation of ongoing collaborative efforts between Japan, the UNDP, and the Ivorian government. The project is designed not only to help Côte d'Ivoire confront immediate challenges, such as those related to the refugee crisis at its northern borders, but also to ensure lasting improvements in human security and social cohesion nationwide.
Expanding Civil Protection Services to Underserved Areas
The newly announced project promises a tangible impact for communities across Côte d'Ivoire. Civil protection services will be operationalized in five underserved localities: Dabou, Grand-Bassam, Doropo, Ferkéssédougou, and Tengréla.
