Security Council calls on Guinea-Bissau’s leadership to resume dialogue

The United Nations Security Council today called on all of Guinea-Bissau’s political leadership to resume dialogue in order to work together in the governance of the country as it emerges from previous periods of instability.

“The members of the Security Council re-emphasized the importance of political stakeholders to engage in continuous and constructive dialogue within the established constitutional parameters,” reads a press statement issued today.

Briefed on 10 August by Tayé-Brook Zerihoun, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, on the situation, Council members took note of the ongoing tension between the President and the Prime Minister, which threatens to undermine the progress made in Guinea-Bissau since the restoration of constitutional order following elections in 2014.

“They further underscored that the Bissau-Guinean people deserve stable, inclusive and co-operative institutions that act in the best interests of all Bissau-Guineans.”

Stressing the importance of national reconciliation, inclusive dialogue and good governance, Council members further stressed that the consolidation of peace and stability in Guinea-Bissau can only result from a consensual, inclusive and nationally owned process and respect for constitutional order “that places the Bissau-Guinean people first.”

Welcoming ongoing efforts of regional and international actors to encourage dialogue among Guinea-Bissau’s political leadership, the members of the Security Council recalled the Council’s commitment to support the authorities of Guinea-Bissau and noted that the pledges made at the March 2015, Brussels International Donor Conference require a stable political environment in order to most effectively materialize.