UN commends achievements in Ivory Coast as UN troops leave

The U.N. Security Council is commending “the remarkable achievements” in Ivory Coast since it sent peacekeepers to the West African nation in 2004 to implement a cease-fire after civil war.

The peacekeeping mission officially ends on Friday and the U.N.’s most powerful body is welcoming “the notable progress” made by Ivory Coast “to consolidate lasting peace and stability, as well as economic prosperity.”

But the council stresses that there is “important work ahead” to advance peace and justice and “to secure equitable prosperity for the benefit of all Ivorians.”

It’s urging progress in fighting impunity and accelerating security sector reforms following recent incidents involving members of the security forces and former combatants.

The Security Council asked Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to study the role of the Ivorian mission in promoting peace.