‘Deeply Concerned’ by Protests in Guinea-Bissau after New Prime Minister's Appointment, Secretary-General Urges Dialogue, Restraint

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned over the situation in Guinea-Bissau following the President of the Republic's decision to appoint a new Prime Minister and the subsequent protests in opposition to the appointment.  He urges all political stakeholders and their supporters to act responsibly, refrain from violence and avoid an escalation of the situation by settling their concerns through dialogue.

The Secretary-General notes that the prolonged political crisis in Guinea-Bissau is gravely affecting the functioning of the country’s institutions and undermining prospects for socioeconomic development.  He calls on all political stakeholders to urgently bring the ongoing impasse to an end in the interests of the people of Guinea-Bissau on the basis of the country's Constitution.

The Secretary-General welcomes the professionalism of the national armed forces in the fulfilment of their duties and urges them to continue to act responsibly.