24 December 2013 - The SRSG, José Ramos-Horta welcomes the press conference of the Minister of Justice, held on 23 December, and the briefing provided by the Prime Minister to UNIOGBIS on the outcome of the commission led by the Minister of Justice that looked into the events of 10 December 2013 related to the TAP-Air Portugal flight, in which 74 passengers were allegedly irregularly transported to Lisbon.

The SRSG notes with concern that the Minister of Justice indicated that a transnational criminal network involved in the illegal movement of persons to Europe is currently operating in Guinea-Bissau, taking advantage of the “internal weaknesses of the system”. This criminal network reportedly includes foreigners and Bissau-Guineans, and has allegedly been able to get the support of staff working in the airport.

The SRSG welcomes the decision of the Prime Minister to refer to Interpol the transnational criminal network as well as the names of foreigners who have been identified by the commission led by the Minister of Justice and are suspected of involvement. In addition, the SRSG welcomes the efforts to bring to justice the elements of such a network operating in Guinea-Bissau.

From what the Minister of Justice told the media, more still needs to be clarified about the role of the national authorities involved. Immediate political repercussions on all involved, no matter how high, should be considered. In this sense, the SRSG welcomes the referral to the Office of the Prosecutor General of the report of the commission for criminal prosecution of all those involved. The Government needs to give a clear signal that it is serious about putting an end to impunity in Guinea-Bissau.

The SRSG while welcoming the decision of Bissau-Guinean authorities to engage in dialogue with TAP and Portuguese Civil Aviation authorities further urges the Bissau-Guinean authorities to make all possible efforts to provide for its population an improved security environment at the international airport.