Earlier this morning, Ms. Sori-Coulibaly met with the President of the Republic, Mr. José Mário Vaz. In a media stakeout after the visit, the Representative told journalists she had the honor of discussing the mission’s mandate with the Head of State, and that “the Security Council calls on UNIOGBIS to work with the Government, as well as national and international actors to ensure a smooth completion of the electoral cycle.” 

She added that the mandate also calls for a transition from the Mission to a full-fledged United Nations team in the country. “As you know, with the end of UNIOGBIS mandate in December 2020, it is important to reiterate that the UN is working with the Government to ensure a smooth transition of residual priorities to UN agencies and other partners, including UNOWAS and ECOWAS, who played an important role in the consolidation of peace in Guinea-Bissau” said Ms. Sori-Coulibaly. 

The representative thanked the National authorities for their warm welcome and assured them that the United Nations stands alongside the Government so that ‘together, we can give hope to the people of this country’. 

Prior to the meeting with the President, Ms. Sori-Coulibaly held separate meetings with Prime Minister Aristides Gomes and Foreign Affairs Minister Suzi Barbosa.