4 April 2014 - The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Guinea-Bissau, José Ramos-Horta, today issued a statement of condolences for the passing away of former President of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Kumba Ialá, 61, victim of an sudden heart attack.

First and foremost I express my sincere condolences to the immediate family of former President Kumba Ialá.
I knew him well and I got to know his family.
I also wish to convey my condolences to the people of Guinea-Bissau, to the transitional authorities in respect of the memory of Kumba Ialá.
He was a Bissau-Guinean patriot, who cared about his country and his people.
I appeal to all to observe his death with serenity and, in respect to his memory, to continue the electoral process in peace.
The best way to honour the late President Kumba Ialá, his legacy, is that all Bissau-Guineans, political leaders, civilian and military authorities continue cooperating with the electoral process in absolute tranquility, transparency and fairness.

Kumba Ialá, also spelled Yalá (15 March 1953 - 4 April 2014), was a Bissau-Guinean politician born in Bula (south) who was President of Guinea-Bissau from 17 February 2000 until he was deposed in a military coup on 14 September 2003. He belonged to the Balanta ethnic group and in 2008 converted to Islam, adopting the name Mohamed Ialá Embaló. He split from African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde - PAIGC, Portuguese acronym) and in 1992 co-founded the Social Renewal Party (PRS), which he presided until he retired only few months ago.