The Security Council supports the efforts of ECOWAS to ensure a swift resolution of the crisis and acknowledges its decision of 4 February 2018 to impose sanctions against those obstructing the implementation of the Conakry Agreement of 14 October 2016, whose prerequisite remains the appointment of a consensus Prime Minister and an inclusive Government.

The Security Council urges all political actors to put the interest of the people of Guinea-Bissau above all other consideration, and recalls that the implementation of the Conakry Agreement, based on the ECOWAS road map is the primary framework for a peaceful resolution of the political crisis, as it offers an historic opportunity for national authorities and political leaders, as well as civil society, to jointly ensure political stability and build sustainable peace.

Also, the Security Council stresses the importance of holding legislative elections within the legally-mandated timeframe in 2018, and presidential elections in 2019; recalls the relevance of passing key reforms, as outlined in the Conakry Agreement, aimed at creating a conducive environment for the electoral processes.

Therefore the 15-body members requests UNIOGBIS, including through the use of the good offices and political support of the Special Representative, to focus, in particular, on the following priorities:

-Support the full implementation of the Conakry Agreement and the ECOWAS Roadmap, and facilitate an inclusive political dialogue and national reconciliation process, strengthening democratic governance, particularly with regards to the implementation of necessary urgent reforms;

-Support, through good offices the electoral process to ensure inclusive, free and credible legislative elections in 2018 within the legally mandated time frame;

-Providing support, including by technical assistance, to national authorities in expediting and completing the review of Guinea-Bissau’s Constitution.

To ensure lasting peace and stability in Guinea-Bissau, UNIOGBIS and the Special Representative will also continue to assist, coordinate and lead international efforts in providing support to the Government of Guinea-Bissau in strengthening democratic institutions and enhancing the capacity of state organs to function effectively and constitutionally; Assisting national authorities and stakeholders in the promotion and protection of human rights as well as undertake human rights monitoring and reporting activities; Providing strategic and technical advice and support to the Government of Guinea-Bissau to combat drug trafficking and transnational organized crime, in close cooperation with UNODC.

Additionally, UNIOGBIS and the Special Representative will provide support to the Government of Guinea-Bissau to incorporate a gender perspective into peacebuilding, in line with Security Council resolutions 1325 (2000), 1820 (2008) and 2242 (2015); as well as implementation of the National Action Plan on Gender in order to ensure the involvement, representation and full participation of women at all levels; Support the Government of Guinea Bissau, in close cooperation with the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission, in the mobilization, harmonization and coordination of international assistance namely from African Union, ECOWAS, CPLP and the European Union, with view to upcoming elections.

The Security Council calls upon the authorities of Guinea-Bissau and all stakeholders, including the military, political parties, and civil society to engage in inclusive, genuine dialogue, and work together to consolidate progress since the restoration of the constitutional order in 2014, and to address the root causes of instability with particular attention to political-military dynamics, constitutional review, ineffective state institutions and rule of law, impunity and human rights violations and abuses, poverty and lack of access to basic services.

It further calls on the security and defense services to continue to submit themselves fully to civilian control.

The UN further requests the Secretary-General provide an update to the Council within three months on the political and security situation in Guinea-Bissau, as well as within 9 months, an assessment of the Mission’s progress in priority areas.

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The resolution will be available at: http://www.un.org/en/sc/documents/resolutions/2018.shtml