Security Council Press Statement on Situation in Guinea-Bissau
The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President François Delattre (France):
The members of the Security Council were briefed on 14 June 2016 by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS), Modibo Ibrahim Touré, on the situation in Guinea-Bissau.
The members of the Security Council expressed their serious concern over the latest political developments in Guinea-Bissau.
The members of the Security Council encouraged national actors to abide by the Constitution and the rule of law, while striving to find a political solution to the crisis. Notably, the members of the Security Council commended the security forces of Guinea-Bissau for their non-interference in the political situation and the restraint shown in this regard. The members of the Security Council reminded the security and defence services of the need to continue abiding by civilian control.
The members of the Security Council further commended the peaceful way in which Guinea-Bissau’s population is following the political situation in the country.
The members of the Security Council welcomed the decision taken by the forty-ninth Ordinary Summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Dakar on 4 June 2016, to designate a presidential mission comprising the Heads of State of Guinea, Senegal and Sierra Leone to meet and conduct discussions with those involved in the political crisis in Guinea-Bissau. They encouraged these regional leaders to further engage in addressing the current political situation of the country. They also welcomed the decision to extend for one year the mandate of the ECOWAS Security Mission in Guinea-Bissau. In this respect, they commended the decision of the European Union to provide financial support to this Mission.
The members of the Security Council commended the important efforts of ECOWAS and encouraged ECOWAS to continue extending its political support to the authorities and political leaders of Guinea-Bissau through the use of good offices and mediation.
The members of the Security Council recalled resolution 2267 (2016) and stressed the importance of national reconciliation, inclusive dialogue and good governance. They also stressed the need for the Government of Guinea-Bissau to continue to take concrete steps towards peace, security and stability in the country, by effectively reforming the security sector and tackling corruption. They urged relevant Bissau-Guinean actors to uphold and proceed with continuous and constructive dialogue, within the established constitutional parameters and with respect for the separation of powers, in order to strengthen democratic governance and work towards consensus on key political issues, particularly with regard to the urgent implementation of necessary reforms.
The members of the Security Council recalled their full commitment to support the consolidation of peace and stability in Guinea-Bissau and noted that the pledges made at the Brussels International Donor Conference of March 2015 required a stable political environment in order to materialize. The members of the Security Council further noted that courageous and inclusive political steps are needed to help fulfil these pledged commitments, in the best interests of all the people of Guinea-Bissau.
The members of the Security Council welcomed the joint efforts by international partners, in particular the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, European Union and the Community of Portuguese-language Speaking Countries, to enhance cooperation in support of the Government in Guinea-Bissau and encouraged them to continue to work together towards the country’s stabilization, in accordance with the key structural reforms established by the Government. In this regard, they acknowledged the role of the Peacebuilding Commission in enhancing these efforts to support the long-term peacebuilding priorities of Guinea-Bissau.
The members of the Security Council welcomed the joint statement adopted on 9 June 2016 by the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, European Union and the Community of Portuguese-language Speaking Countries on the institutional crisis.
They further highlighted the efforts of Presidents Macky Sall of Senegal and Alpha Condé of the Republic of Guinea, and Olusegun Obasanjo, Special Envoy of President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, to facilitate dialogue in Guinea-Bissau.
The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support for the key role and active engagement of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Touré, including his good offices and close coordination with the international community.
The members of the Security Council encouraged ECOWAS and the Community of Portuguese-language Speaking Countries to take the necessary steps towards organizing a meeting of the International Contact Group on Guinea-Bissau, in consultation with the United Nations, European Union and all concerned stakeholders.
The members of the Security Council reiterated their commitment to continue to monitor the current political crisis and expressed their readiness to take necessary measures to respond to further worsening of the situation in Guinea-Bissau.