On Tuesday, June 03, 2025, the MCOU Commander conducted a Key Community Engagement (KCE) in Abbassiyah (Y43), meeting with key local figures including School Owner and Manager Mr. Hassan Tajeddine, School Director Mr. Najib Hobballah, and the outgoing Mayor Mr. Ali Ezzedine.
The meeting was held in a positive atmosphere, reflecting strong appreciation for UNIFIL’s presence and role in the community. Participants expressed hope for continued visits and deeper collaboration moving forward.
During the discussion, Mr. Tajeddine highlighted the importance of including private schools in outreach efforts, as they represent a large segment of the population. He also encouraged stronger engagement with local Mokhtars and religious leaders, who have direct access to residents and play a major role in shaping public opinion. The Mayor noted a rise in unfriendly behavior toward UNIFIL, attributing it to emotional distress and trauma following recent conflicts, despite the community’s overall support for the mission.
Concerns were raised about the limitations of some local officials, who may lack the autonomy to make independent decisions due to political influences. In contrast, non-official community figures often hold more sway with the public. Participants recommended that UNIFIL increase public awareness of its peacekeeping role and mandate under UN Security Council Resolution 1701. The engagement reinforced the value of proactive communication and the need to strengthen ties with all sectors of the community to build lasting trust and cooperation.
