UN Peacebuilding Commission deplores attempted attack against President of Guinea

The United Nations Peacebuilding Commission has strongly condemned yesterday’s unsuccessful attack on the residence of the President of Guinea, and called on all parties in the troubled West African country to refrain from further violence.

Alpha Condé is reported to be safe and unharmed after the early morning attack in the capital, Conakry, which has also been condemned by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Ambassador Sylvie Lucas of Luxembourg, chair of the Peacebuilding Commission’s Guinea configuration, issued a statement today urging “respect of the rule of law, democracy and national reconciliation.”

Mr. Condé took office after winning the run-off round of presidential elections late last year, capping off the interim Government’s efforts to restore democracy after a 2008 coup following the death of the country’s long-time leader Lansana Conté.

Today’s statement noted that the attack underlines “the importance of dialogue for peace and stability in Guinea,” one of several countries which the Peacebuilding Commission is assisting in an effort to consolidate peace and prosperity after conflict.