UNIOGBIS Document Library

5 November 2009 - The full text of the presidential statement read out by the Council's President Thomas Mayr-Harting (Austria):

"The Security Council recalls its previous statements and resolutions on Guinea-Bissau, and notes the latest report of the Secretary-General on developments in Guinea-Bissau, and on the activities of the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS). The Council reaffirms its support for the continuing efforts to consolidate peace in that country.

"The Security Council welcomes the peaceful presidential elections that were held on 28 June and 26 July 2009, and the inauguration of President Malam Bacai Sanhá on 8 September. It also takes note of the President's commitment to combat impunity, foster national reconciliation and achieve socio-economic development. The Council reiterates that human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Guinea-Bissau must be fully protected. It urges again the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau to ensure that their commitment to abide by the civilian authorities and respect constitutional order is fully honoured.

"The Security Council also takes note of the National Assembly's plans to convene a national conference on "Conflicts in Guinea-Bissau: causes, prevention, resolution and consequences", and underscores the need to conduct an inclusive political dialogue process aimed at ensuring national reconciliation in the country.

"The Security Council reiterates the importance of consolidating democracy, security, the rule of law, national reconciliation and the fight against impunity to ensure sustainable peace in Guinea-Bissau. In this regard, it takes note of the ongoing consultations between the United Nations, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP), to assist the Government of Guinea-Bissau, at its request, in carrying out a credible, thorough, and expeditious investigation, in accordance with international standards, into the political assassinations of March and June 2009. The Security Council calls upon the Government of Guinea-Bissau to expedite this process, and calls on the abovementioned organizations and the international community as a whole, to bring their support to this end.

"The Security Council underlines the challenges faced by the Government of Guinea-Bissau, in particular to ensure that the Security sector is effective, professional and accountable. In this regard, the Council emphasizes the necessity of pursuing and implementing an effective and comprehensive national strategy for security sector reform, to be supported by the international partners. The Council reiterates its request for the Secretary-General, through his Special Representative for Guinea-Bissau and the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS), for an effective coordination of the support provided by the international community to security sector reform in Guinea-Bissau, taking into account the work already undertaken by the European Union and other international actors in this area.

"The Security Council urges the Government of Guinea-Bissau to take the necessary actions in the framework of the Guinea-Bissau anti-narcotics operational Plan and the ECOWAS Plan of action against drug trafficking and organized crime in West Africa. The Council further notes that the situation in Guinea-Bissau continues to be extremely fragile, in particular as a result of increased drug trafficking and organized crime that could pose a threat to regional stability, and should be addressed by an approach of shared responsibility. In this context, the Council welcomes the progress in implementing the West Africa Coast Initiative involving ECOWAS, commends the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Department for Peacekeeping Operations, Department for Political Affairs and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) in support of the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking in West Africa, and calls on the international partners to continue supporting this partnership and the efforts of the national authorities to strengthen activities on policing and internal security, including law enforcement and border control, as part of the security sector reform process.

"The Security Council calls on the international community to provide timely and adequate support for the implementation of the Strategic Framework for Peacebuilding in Guinea-Bissau, adopted on 1 October 2008 by the Peacebuilding Commission, including that of the quick-impacts projects. The Council takes note of the importance of building synergies among the donors. It further takes note of the preparations for the first review of the Strategic Framework for Peacebuilding in Guinea-Bissau, and looks forward to its finalization. The Security Council reiterates its support for the work of the Peacebuilding Commission country-specific configuration on Guinea-Bissau.

"The Security Council welcomes the ongoing planning for the transition of UNOGBIS to an Integrated Peacebuilding Office (UNIOGBIS) on 1 January 2010, and looks forward to the timely development of an Integrated Strategic Framework, including a strategic workplan with appropriate benchmarks to measure and track progress on the implementation of the new office's mandate.

"The Security Council reiterates the importance of the regional dimension in the resolution of the problems faced by Guinea-Bissau and, in this regard, welcomes the role of the ECOWAS, the African Union, the CPLP, and the European Union in the peacebuilding process in that country."

Adopted by the Security Council at its 6152nd meeting, on 26 June 2009. MORE>>

June 9, 2009 - The following Security Council press statement on Guinea-Bissau was read out today by Council President Baki Ä°lkin (Turkey):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the killing in Guinea-Bissau on 5 June 2009 of Baciro Dabo, one of the candidates on the coming presidential elections of 28 June 2009 and Helder Proença, a former Minister of Defence, and two of his bodyguards. They expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and people of Guinea-Bissau.
The members of the Security Council called on the Government of Guinea-Bissau to bring to justice those responsible for these violent acts. They stressed the importance of national reconciliation and the fight against impunity in Guinea-Bissau.
The members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern over the resurgence of political violence, which constitutes a tragic setback to efforts to restore peace and stability, as well as the rule of law and democratic process in the country.
The members of the Security Council reiterated their call to the Government, the political leaders, the Armed Forces and people of the Guinea-Bissau to exercise restraint, maintain stability and constitutional order, and respect the rule of law and the democratic process. They call them to ensure that these events will not disrupt the electoral process.
The members of the Security Council welcomed in this regard the statements condemning the incident by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) and the European Union.
The members of the Security Council called on the international community to work closely with the Government of Guinea-Bissau, and regional and subregional organizations to support the investigations into the pattern of killings of high profile personalities in Guinea-Bissau for effective and transparent inquiries, and to ensure that the necessary conditions are put in place for the holding of free, fair and transparent presidential elections, which is a key to peace and stability in the country.
The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their full support to the consolidation of peace in Guinea-Bissau.

Bissau - The Government of Guinea-Bissau has lifted the detention warrant issued against the President of the PAIGC, Mr. Carlos Gomes Júnior.

The Ministers of Justice and Interior conveyed the position of the Government to me at a meeting this morning. They informed me that the Government has decided to lift the warrant and that all matters pertaining to this case will be handled by the Public Ministry and the Prosecutor Office.

They said that Mr. Carlos Gomes Júnior can therefore return home without fear of arrest. The Government guarantees his safety and that of his family. The Minister of Interior has furthermore stated that his Ministry will provide additional protection should Mr. Gomes request this.

The Government hopes that Mr. Gomes will cooperate with the Public Ministry and Prosecutor Office in their inquiries, but stress that the modalities will be worked out between the Public Ministry, Mr. Carlos Gomes Júnior and the Permanent Commission of the ANP.

On behalf of the Secretary-General and the United Nations, I take this opportunity to express our deep thanks to the authorities for helping bring this matter to a close.

It is important that the whole country should focus on reconciliation, peace and development.

Bissau - UNOGBIS was informed this morning of the attempted arrest of Mr. Carlos Gomes Junior, Member of Parliament and President of PAIGC by elements of the Ministry of Interior.

Later, Mr. Gomes Jr. walked into the UN Building in Bissau, where he sought protection.

UNOGBIS is making all the necessary efforts in consultation with the local authorities to find an amicable resolution to the problem.

As indicated in the statement issued by the Secretary General on 8 January we are very concerned about the recent developments in Guinea Bissau, particularly the disturbances which occurred a few days ago. Any lose of life is a deep concern to the UN. It is hoped that all concerned would avoid allowing Impunity to prevail.

January 8, 2007 - Statement attributable to the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General
New York - The Secretary-General is very concerned at the heightened tensions in Guinea-Bissau following the killing of the country former Navy Chief, Commodore Lamine Sanha, on 4 January 2007. He is particularly distressed by the loss of life that occurred following the intervention of the security forces during protests against the killing.

The Secretary-General urges the government and political leaders to exercise utmost restraint, and to focus on development and reconciliation. He urges the people of Guinea-Bissau not to take the law into their own hands. And he strongly encourages all national stakeholders to find negotiated solutions to their differences, and to avoid allowing impunity to prevail.

New York - The following Security Council press statement was delivered today by Council President Nassir Abdulaziz al-Nasser (Qatar):

Members of the Security Council heard a briefing on 15 December from the newly appointed representative of the Secretary-General in Guinea-Bissau, Shola Omoregie, on recent developments in Guinea-Bissau, as contained in the latest Secretary-General's report (document S/2006/946).

Members of the Security Council expressed their concern over the precarious political, security and economic conditions in Guinea-Bissau.

Members of the Security Council are closely monitoring the situation and expressed appreciation for the informative report of the Secretary-General on developments in Guinea-Bissau, as well as the activities of the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau. Members of the Security Council commended the activities of UNOGBIS.

Members of the Security Council reiterated the appeal of the Secretary-General urging the political leaders to exercise restraint, focus on development and reconciliation and good governance, and to find negotiated solutions to their differences and to put the national interest above all.

Members of the Security Council called upon the international community, international institutions and donor partners to continue their support to Guinea-Bissau.

Members of the Security Council welcome the presentation of the Government of Guinea-Bissau of a new security sector reform plan and called for its early implementation with international support.

At the 6105th meeting of the Security Council, held on 9 April 2009, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "The situation in Guinea-Bissau", the President of the Security Council made the following statement on behalf of the Council:

"The Security Council recalls its previous statements on Guinea-Bissau, and notes the latest report of the Secretary-General on developments in Guinea-Bissau and on the activities of the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS). The Council reaffirms its support for the continuing efforts to consolidate peace in that country.

"The Security Council welcomes the swearing-in as Interim President of Guinea-Bissau of M. Raimundo Pereira and notes with satisfaction the commitment of the new authorities to maintain the constitutional order, following the assassinations of the President of Guinea-Bissau, Joao Bernardo Vieira and of the Chief of Staff of the Armed forces, Tagme Na Waie, and to deepen national consensus on the transition and the electoral process.

"The Security Council also welcomes the convening of the presidential election for 28 June 2009, and urges the Government and all political actors to create the best conditions for the holding of a free, fair, transparent and credible presidential election. It welcomes the assistance already provided by bilateral and multilateral partners to support the electoral budget, and calls upon the donors to continue to provide technical and financial assistance for the electoral process.

"The Security Council takes note of the Final communiqué of the 26th Meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Mediation and Security Council expressing the need to deploy military and police contingents to ensure the protection of the republican institutions, the authorities, as well as the electoral process in Guinea-Bissau. In this regard, the Security Council invites ECOWAS to work in coordination with the Government of Guinea-Bissau.

"The Security Council condemns recent cases of arbitrary detentions, armed attacks and intimidation, and demands a full protection of human rights and fundamental freedom of the people of Guinea-Bissau. It urges the Armed Forces leadership to ensure that its commitment to abide by the civilian authorities and respect constitutional order is fully honoured.

"The Security Council stresses the importance of national reconciliation and the fight against impunity in Guinea-Bissau, and calls on the international community to support the Commission of Inquiry established to investigate the assassinations of the President and of the Chief of Staff of the Armed forces.

"The Security Council reiterates the importance of the security sector reform (SSR) in Guinea-Bissau, and in this regard, urges the international partners to continue to support the implementation of the quick-impact projects. It welcomes the convening of a roundtable on Guinea-Bissau's Security Sector Reform with a view to follow up the coordination and the implementation of the identified projects and programs on SSR, to be held in Praia, Cape Verde, on 20 April 2009.

"The Security Council remains seriously concerned by the growth in illegal drug trafficking, as well as transnational organized crime in Guinea-Bissau and in the sub-region. It commends the joint action of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Department of Political Affairs/UNOWA, Department of Peacekeeping Operation and INTERPOL to help implement the ECOWAS Plan of Action against drug trafficking. It calls upon the international community to continue to support the implementation of the Guinea-Bissau anti-narcotics operational Plan, as well as of the ECOWAS Plan of Action.

"The Security Council calls on the international community to provide timely and adequate support for the implementation of the Strategic Peacebuilding Framework adopted by the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). It looks forward to a sustainable mobilization of resources for economic reconstruction and peace consolidation in Guinea-Bissau.

"The Security Council reiterates the importance of the regional dimension in the resolution of the problems faced by Guinea-Bissau and, in this regard, welcomes the role of the African Union, ECOWAS, CPLP, and the European Union in the peace-building process.

"The Security Council commends the Representative of the Secretary-General and the staff of UNOGBIS, as well as the United Nations country team, the Peacebuilding Commission country-specific configuration on Guinea-Bissau for their contribution to peace, democracy and the rule of law in Guinea-Bissau. The Security Council reiterates that it looks forward to receiving recommendations from the Secretary-General on how the United Nations presence in Guinea-Bissau should be reconfigured to support
peacebuilding more effectively."

The following Security Council press statement was read out today by Council President Ibrahim Dabbashi (Libya): 1. The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms the assassinations of the President of Guinea-Bissau, Joao Bernardo Vieira, and the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Tagme Na Waie, on 1 and 2 March 2009. It expresses its deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, and to the people and the Government of Guinea-Bissau.

"2. The Security Council calls on the Government of Guinea-Bissau to bring to justice those responsible for these violent acts. It calls upon the Government, the political leaders, the Armed Forces and the people of Guinea-Bissau to remain calm, exercise restrain, maintain stability and constitutional order and respect the rule of law and the democratic process. It also urges all parties to resolve their disputes through political and peaceful means within the framework of its democratic institutions and opposes any attempt to change the Government through unconstitutional means.

"3. The Security Council welcomes, in this regard, the statements condemning the incidents by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, the European Union and other members of the international community, and calls on al to assist in preserving the constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau and to continue to support peacebuilding efforts in the country.

"4. The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to support the efforts of the Government and people of Guinea-Bissau to consolidate democratic institutions, peace and stability in that country.

"5. The Security Council shall remain seized of the developments in Guinea-Bissau."

The following Security Council press statement was read out today by Council President Neven Jurica (Croatia):

The members of the Security Council were briefed on the situation in Guinea-Bissau and on the activities of the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS) on 11 December 2008 by the Representative of the Secretary-General, Shola Omoregie.

The members of the Security Council welcomed the successful organization of the legislative elections on 16 November 2008 and called upon the authorities of Guinea-Bissau to ensure the installation of the new Parliament and Government as soon as possible.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their deep concern over the security situation in Guinea-Bissau, and their support to the implementation of the Security Sector Reform (SSR) Programme in Guinea-Bissau. They called on UNOGBIS and the United Nations more broadly to coordinate closely with relevant stakeholders already engaged in support to Guinea-Bissau on SSR, including the European Union.

The members of the Security Council welcomed the successful holding in Praia ( Cape Verde) on 28-29 October 2008 of the "ECOWAS [Economic Community of West African States] Ministerial Conference on Drug Trafficking as a Security Threat to West Africa", and took note of the resulting draft Political Declaration and Regional Action Plan. They looked forward to their adoption by the next ECOWAS Summit and called for their implementation. They also welcomed the creation of the National Commission on Human Rights of Guinea-Bissau.

The members of the Security Council requested the Secretary-General to elaborate recommendations on transforming UNOGBIS into an integrated office, and looked forward to considering these recommendations.

The members of the Security Council underscored the need for continued support to Guinea-Bissau and commended once again the contribution of the country's bilateral and multilateral partners and UNOGBIS, to the peacebuilding process in Guinea-Bissau.

The members of the Security Council expressed their appreciation to the Representative of the Secretary-General, Shola Omoregie, for his contribution to peace consolidation in Guinea-Bissau and wish him success in his future endeavours.

New York - The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the violent attack on the residence of the President of Guinea-Bissau, Joao Bernardo Vieira, on 23 November 2008 by military elements. The members of the Security Council regretted that such a serious incident occurred after the peaceful and orderly elections of 16 November 2008.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their full support to the democratic process.

The members of the Security Council called on the Government of Guinea-Bissau to bring to justice those responsible for this attack, and urged all parties in Guinea-Bissau to cooperate actively with the authorities in this regard.

The members of the Security Council also urged all parties to resolve any disputes through political and peaceful means within the framework of the rule of law. The members of the Security Council stressed that the international community would not accept a return to violence.