The United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) is saddened and concerned to learn about the death of a civilian and injury to several others, reportedly following a demonstration in Bissau on Saturday, 26 October 2019.

UNIOGBIS calls on the population and political parties of Guinea-Bissau to remain calm and serene and expresses its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. UNIOGBIS welcomes the decision by the Ministry of Interior to launch an independent enquiry into the circumstances and consequences of the demonstration and looks forward to its prompt conclusion.

Along with other members of the international community, UNIOGBIS has been closely following the preparations for the 24 November presidential election. UNIOGBIS welcomes the decision of the National Elections Commission (CNE) plenary to use the same electoral roll used in the March 2019 legislative elections. UNIOGBIS also welcomes the decision of all candidates to submit their photographs, allowing for the timely production of the ballot papers.

UNIOGBIS seizes this occasion to renew its expectation that the 24 November presidential election will take place in a free, fair, credible and transparent manner and requests national authorities and all political actors to remain engaged in the preparation and promotion of an environment of social peace, stability and respect for the Rule of Law and human rights.

Done in Bissau, 28 October 2019