Acting on the recommendations of the Secretary-General, the Security Council adopted resolution 1528 (2004) of 27 February 2004, establishing the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) for an initial period of 12 months, from 4 April 2004. The mandate of the small political mission, the United Nations Mission in Côte d’Ivoire (MINUCI), ended on that same date. In accordance with the Council’s request, the Secretary-General transferred authority from MINUCI and ECOWAS forces to UNOCI on that date.

UNOCI's primary objective was to facilitate the implementation by the Ivorian parties of the peace agreement signed by them in January 2003 which aimed at ending the Ivorian civil war. Its mandate was subsequently extended and adjusted on several occasions to meet new requirements and reflect the evolving situation in the country.

Protecting civilians and supporting the Government in DDR and security sector reform.