Security Council Press Statement on Situation in Guinea-Bissau

 

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Baso Sangqu ( South Africa):

The members of the Security Council were briefed on 10 January 2012 by B. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, on the situation in Guinea-Bissau.

The members of the Security Council expressed their condolences to the Government and people of Guinea-Bissau on the death of President Malam Bacai Sanhá.

The members of the Security Council encouraged the authorities, political parties and the people of Guinea-Bissau to respect the legal and institutional framework for the transition phase and ensure the conditions for peaceful, timely, free, fair and transparent presidential elections are met.

The members of the Security Council condemned the attack by military officers against the army headquarters on 26 December 2011, and welcomed the actions of the civilian Government and the military to ensure public safety, respect for constitutional order, as well as the Government’s decision to investigate these attacks to hold accountable those responsible for the events of 26 December.

The members of the Security Council, recalling its resolution 2030 (2011), encouraged the Government of Guinea-Bissau and all stakeholders to continue to work together to respect the constitutional order, the rule of law and human rights, and to pursue political dialogue so as to preserve stability in the country and promote national reconciliation.  The members of the Security Council reiterated their call on members of the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau to respect civilian rule, and further called on the authorities of Guinea-Bissau to intensify efforts to create the enabling environment for enhanced civilian control over the security forces, and fight impunity.

The members of the Security Council called on the Government to continue to pursue important reforms for the consolidation of peace and stability in Guinea-Bissau, especially regarding security-sector reform, with particular attention to the launching of the Pension Fund for members of the Armed Forces and efforts to counter narcotics trafficking.  The members of the Security Council welcomed the announcement by Prime Minister Gomes Junior of a first phase of demobilization of military officers on 23 January 2012, which should be conducted in accordance with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)/Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa (CPLP) road map.

The members of the Security Council expressed their commitment to continue to closely follow the situation in Guinea-Bissau and, in this regard, called on the United Nations Integrated Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) to work with the authorities, as well as with other international partners, in the preparation and support of upcoming elections, expected reforms and ongoing investigations.

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For information media • not an official record