Bissau-Guineans call for stronger UN presence

Bissau, March 2, 2016 (UNIOGBIS / UIP) - Concerned about the political situation, Bissau-Guineans call on political actors to take into account the recommendations of the UN Security Council that on 26 February extended the mandate of the Integrated UN Office for Peacebuilding in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) for another year.

23 Mar 2016

Bissau-Guineans call for stronger UN presence

"The renewal of UNIOGBIS  mandate is very important for the country, given that it plays an important role - to truly reconcile Guineans, I witness the efforts of UNIOGBIS representatives who have passed in the country, and they have given their best to help solve the Guinean political crisis ", said Danilson, a journalist.

 "It is important to extend UNIOGBIS  mandate, because we do not want the country to go on like this, Guinea-Bissau looked different some time ago, and we were expecting to turn the page in our history, leaders must have a good heart and have the people in mind.", explained Fatu, a bread saleswoman in the center of Bissau.

Alfredo, a professor of Bissau, calls on the international community "to be patient and continue to support these people, because things are very difficult."

The Prime Minister, Carlos Correia, recalled that if the Security Council renewed the mandate is because it is satisfied with the work of UNIOGBIS and that its continuation is necessary. The Prime –Minister suggested, however, that the mission should be more active.

"More active especially in bringing the parties together to commit to creating stability," stressed Carlos Correia who left a suggestion: " UNIOBIS should extend their activities, providing support in the fight against the evils that in his opinion are the root causes of instability in the country, such as drug trafficking, terrorism, and other problems which deserve the attention of the mission. "

For the Women Political Platform, according to its vice-president, Silvina Tavares, this renewal represents “hope for the people". Furthermore, she suggested that Guineans should do everything possible "to deserve the trust of the international community."

Silvina Tavares asked, however, that UNIOGBIS changes its strategy and that together with ECOMIB / ECOWAS, CPLP, AU "coordinate actions to look for a better strategy to address this situation".

In its new resolution establishing UNIOGBIS mandate - UNSC/ 2267-, the Security Council called on the president, the prime minister, the head of parliament and other political leaders to fulfill their commitments and bring political stability to Guinea-Bissau, in the populations’ best interest.