Security Council Press Statement on Situation in Guinea-Bissau

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President U. Joy Ogwu (Nigeria):

The Security Council was briefed by Assistant Secretary General Taye-Brook Zerihoun on the situation in Guinea-Bissau.

Members of the Security Council expressed concern over the current political developments in the country.  They called on leaders to seek dialogue and consensus in resolving the crisis in a manner that serves the interests of the Bissau-Guinean people.  They encouraged all parties to remain calm and called on the security forces, civil society and political leaders to continue to act in a peaceful manner in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law.  They underscored the importance of the non-interference of security forces in the political situation of Guinea-Bissau.

Members of the Security Council called on parties to resolve the ongoing political dispute in the interest of peace in Guinea-Bissau.  They welcomed the continued engagement of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Miguel Trovoada, Senegalese President Macky Sall, in his capacity as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and other interlocutors in the search for a peaceful solution to the impasse and underlined the need for concerted action between ECOWAS, the African Union, the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, the European Union and the United Nations.

The members of the Security Council expressed their intention to follow the situation closely and respond appropriately.