ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, March 21, 2016/APO (African Press Organization)/ —
Within the framework of its mandate to promote and enhance peace and security in the continent, the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) undertook a Field Mission to the Republic of Guinea-Bissau from 17 to 19 March 2016. The mission was in implementation of the Council’s various decisions on the situation in Guinea-Bissau, notably the Press Statement issued at its 581st meeting held on 9 March 2016, at which the Council decided to immediately visit Guinea-Bissau, to assess the situation in the country and identify ways and means of contributing to a resolution of the current political and institutional crisis in Guinea-Bissau.
During the Field Mission, the PSC Delegation held consultations with the President of the Republic, the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Prime Minister of Guinea-Bissau. The Delegation also met with some Ministers, including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, National Defense and Justice, as well as the Secretary of State for Public Law and Order and the Attorney-General of the Republic. The PSC Delegation also met with representatives of political parties and civil society organizations, including religious leaders.
The PSC Delegation expressed to its interlocutors the deep concern of the AU about the persistent political and institutional crisis in Guinea-Bissau, which threatens to undermine the fragile gains made by the country in the consolidation of peace, stability and post-conflict reconstruction. The Delegation reiterated to the Guinea-Bissau stakeholders the availability and readiness of the AU to support them in their efforts to find a lasting solution to the crisis in the country and encouraged them to exercise restraint, uphold the country’s interest and engage in dialogue to resolve their political differences. The PSC Delegation further stressed the need for all Guinea-Bissau stakeholders to do their utmost to preserve peace and stability, in order to foster socio-economic development, with a view to alleviating the suffering of the people of Guinea Bissau.
The PSC Delegation reiterated the AU’s appreciation to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Countries of the Portuguese Language Community (CPLP), the United Nations and the European Union (EU) for their relentless efforts to help restore sustainable peace, security and stability in Guinea-Bissau.
The PSC Delegation expressed its appreciation and gratitude to the authorities of Guinea-Bissau for facilitating its Field Mission, as well as to the Head of the AU Liaison Office and his staff for their assistance.
– See more at: http://www.peaceau.org/en/article/au-peace-and-security-council-concludes-its-field-mission-to-guinea-bissau#sthash.x2qNmsh3.Wb2T5H9f.dpuf
