Guinea-Bissau
Expected Council Action
The Council expects to receive the Secretary-General’s quarterly report on the UN Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS). A Council statement is possible. The mandate of UNOGBIS expires on 31 December.
Recent Developments
On 25 March, Guinea-Bissau enacted an amnesty for political-military violations against state security extending back to 6 October 2004. It does not rule out future civil lawsuits and allows for compensating victims. The proponents of the amnesty (e.g. the military) see it as assisting in national reconciliation and setting the stage for security sector reforms. However, there have been concerns from civil society about the absence of truth and restitution measures.
On 26 March, the Council was briefed in an open meeting by the Representative of the Secretary-General, Shola Omoregie, on the situation in Guinea-Bissau. In addition, the chair of the Peacebuilding Commission’s (PBC) country-specific configuration on Guinea-Bissau, Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti of Brazil, briefed on Council on the PBC’s engagement in the country. Also, Ambassador Alfredo Cabral, Guinea-Bissau’s Permanent Representative, expressed gratitude at his country’s inclusion in the PBC’s agenda. The briefing was followed by informal private consultations. Members are reported to have requested the Secretary-General to submit further details in his next report on drug trafficking and alleged terrorist activity in Guinea-Bissau. Omoregie met the chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee and the executive director of the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate to discuss concerns about terrorism.
In a press statement on 27 March, the Council reaffirmed support for efforts by the government of Guinea-Bissau and its partners to consolidate peace. It expressed satisfaction with PBC efforts to develop a strategic peacebuilding framework and noted the 25 March announcement by Guinea-Bissau President João Bernardo Vieira to hold legislative elections on 16 November. The Council recalled its October 2007 request to the Secretary-General to present proposals on how the UN could provide effective integrated and holistic assistance.
On 28 April, the UN Peacebuilding Fund agreed to provide Guinea-Bissau with $6 million to assist national peacebuilding efforts. (The Fund was set up last year to help bridge the gap faced by countries between the initial phase of emerging from conflict and later recovery stages.)
Related Developments in the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC)
The PBC’s country-specific configuration on Guinea-Bissau visited the country from 6 to 11 April with the objective of:
The country-specific configuration has since briefed the Organisational Committee of the PBC on the field mission and has been deliberating on peacebuilding priorities expected to be factored into an eventual strategic framework. |
Immediate key issues for the Council are security in the lead up to the legislative elections, including keeping the electoral process on track and the future of UNOGBIS. In December, the Secretary-General indicated that he would explore the possibility of transforming UNOGBIS into an integrated mission after the elections. Members are likely to want advice on what this might entail, as indicated in their latest press release.
Other issues include developments on the drug trafficking front and possible terrorist activity in the country.
Options
Possible options for the Council include:
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a statement urging the government and stakeholders to keep the legislative elections on track and encouraging peace-consolidation efforts; and
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a decision to maintain regular engagement with the PBC on the situation in the country, including invitations for briefings from PBC representatives and seeking the PBC’s advice on the situation the country.
Council Dynamics
Most Council members now consider UNOGBIS’ role to be vital in the lead up to the legislative elections. However, African members want to see more immediate support for peace-consolidation efforts. Western members may prefer to see the outcome of the elections before determining further concrete involvement. Most members, especially the Europeans, want a much more comprehensive picture of drug trafficking. The Council’s call for more information on alleged terrorist activity seems to be motivated by its cautious approach.
Underlying Problems
Guinea-Bissau has limited capacity to effectively police its national territory. Capacity in government ministries is also weak and the country is faced by serious socio-economic challenges. Consequently, it is particularly vulnerable to organised crime, social unrest, the narcotics trade and, perhaps also, possible terrorist activity.
Security Council Resolutions |
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Latest Presidential Statement |
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Selected Reports and Letters |
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PBC Documents |
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Other |
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Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNOGBIS |
Shola Omoregie (Nigeria) |
Size of UNOGBIS Staff |
Thirty, including international civilians, military advisers, a police adviser and local civilians |
Duration |
6 April 1999 to present; mandate expires on 31 December 2008 |