26 December 2012 - A delegation made up of representatives of five international bodies, the African Union (AU), Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), European Union (EU) and United Nations (UN), conducted a joint mission to Guinea-Bissau from 16 to 21 December 2012.

The mission was aimed at collecting information from a wide range of stakeholders so as to evaluate the situation in the West African country and come up with recommendations on what Guinea-Bissau's international partners can do together to help the country, according to the delegation's leader, AU Director of Peace and Security El-Ghassim Wane.

To this end, the delegation met a wide range of governmental and non-governmental representatives. These included Government ministers, heads and other senior officials of the defence and security forces, members of the People's National Assembly, and representatives of political parties represented in the Assembly as well as political groups not represented in the legislative body.

Its interlocutors, who also included traditional chiefs, religious leaders, interest groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, and non-governmental organisations, welcomed the opportunity that the visit offered them to discuss the country's realities directly. Many highlighted the need for assistance from the international community.

The main themes discussed during the meetings included key issues such as security sector reform, rule of law, elections, the restoration of constitutionality and, in general, the transition currently under way in Guinea-Bissau.