Cote d'Ivoire to use football trophy to promote reconciliation

Cote d'Ivoire's Football Federation (FIF) on Tuesday said it will organize a national caravan with the African football trophy won on Sunday to promote reconciliation in the country.

Speaking during a ceremony to honour the country's national football team commonly referred to as the Elephants, FIF vice- president Sory Diabate recommended organization of a caravan across the national territory.

"This victory should be a factor for national reconciliation. In this regard, why not take advantage of this occasion to reinforce our national unity by moving across the country with the trophy, a strong symbol of our social cohesion," Diabate posed.

He said the federation had always wanted to use football as a factor for national reconciliation.

Cote d'Ivoire is currently experiencing an euphoric moment after beating Ghana 9-8 on penalties in the final of the African Cup of Nations played in Equatorial Guinea.

National cohesion efforts in Cote d'Ivoire have been jeopardised by the mistrust that resulted from the 2002 failed coup and the deadly 2010-2011 post-election violence.

Most observers have said the trophy won by the national football team could be used as an opportunity for uniting Cote d'Ivoire nationals who overlooked their differences to celebrate the victory in the continental competition. Endi