PRESS STATEMENT ON THE SITUATION IN GUINEA BISSAU
The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Jean Ping, has learnt with
shock of the assassination of the President of Guinea Bissau, João Bernardo “Nino”
Vieira, and that of his Army Chief of Staff, General Batista Tagme Na Wai.
The Chairperson condemns in the strongest terms these cowardly and heinous attacks,
which have come at a time of renewed efforts by the international community to support
peace-building efforts in Guinea Bissau and consolidate progress in the political process
in that country in the wake of the legislative elections of November 2008.
The Chairperson calls on all Bissau-Guinean political leaders and stakeholders to rally
behind the legitimate authorities of the country, in order to address the current crisis
within the framework of the legitimate institutions and the constitution of Guinea Bissau.
The Chairperson reiterates the AU’s commitment to the Lomé Declaration and all other
AU instruments relating to unconstitutional changes of government, and the total
rejection of any attempt at unconstitutional changes of government.
The Chairperson has initiated contact with regional leaders on how best to address the
current situation. Consultations are also underway to convene an emergency meeting of
the Peace and Security Council (PSC), to review the situation and to take the
appropriate steps.
Addis Ababa on 02 March 2009
COMMUNIQUE OF THE 174TH MEETING OF THE PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL
The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 174th
meeting held in Addis Ababa, on 3 March 2009, adopted the following decision on
the situation in the Republic of Guinea Bissau:
Council,
1. Takes note of the briefing by the Commission on the situation in the
Republic of Guinea Bissau following the assassination of the President of this
country, H.E Joao Bernardo Vieira;
2. Expresses its dismay at the assassination of the President of the Republic
of Guinea Bissau, H.E João Bernardo Nino Vieira, and Condemns in the
strongest terms this heinous act, which has come at a time of renewed efforts by
the International Community to support peace-building action in Guinea Bissau and
consolidate progress in the political process in that country in the wake of the
legislative elections of November 2008. Council calls on the Bissau Guinean
authorities to guarantee protection and safety for the family of the late President
and for all citizens of the country. Council conveys its heartfelt condolences to the
Government and people of Guinea Bissau and to the family of the deceased Head
of State;
3. Also strongly condemns the assassination of the Army Chief of Staff of
Guinea Bissau, General Batista Tagme Na Wai, which took place hours before that
of the President, and conveys its condolences to the bereaved family.
4. Reaffirms the principles enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African
Union, in particular the respect for the sanctity of human life, condemnation and
rejection of impunity, political assassination, acts of terrorism and subversive
activities.
5. Also reaffirms its total rejection of unconstitutional changes of Government
as spelt out in the Algiers Decision of July 1999, the Lomé Declaration of July
2000, the Constitutive Act of the AU and the Protocol Relating to the Establishment
of the Peace and Security Council ;
6. Takes note of the statements by the Armed Forces of Guinea Bissau of their
intention to uphold the provisions of the constitution of the Country relating to the
succession to the Presidency. Council demands that the Bissau Guinean Armed
Forces respect fully the provisions of the Constitution, and urges them to work
within the framework of legality, in the interest of peace and stability in their
country;
7. Calls on all peace loving citizens of Guinea Bissau to exercise a high sense
of responsibility and moderation in their actions and utterances at this critical and
testing period of their national life in order to avoid exacerbating the political
situation in the country and to ensure effective cooperation with the Bissau Guinean
leadership for a smooth transition in line with the country’s constitution.
8. Calls on the National authorities of Guinea Bissau, in cooperation with the
AU, ECOWAS and other African Institutions, to launch a full investigation into the
assassination of the President and the Army Chief of Staff of Guinea Bissau, in
order to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice;
9. Welcomes the efforts that ECOWAS has been making over the past few
years to engage the Guinean authorities and other stakeholders in addressing the
serious problems facing their country. Also welcomes the immediate action of the
ECOWAS leadership in unequivocally condemning the assassinations and calling
for the respect of the Constitution, including its provisions pertaining to succession
to the Head of State. Council encourages ECOWAS in its resolve to engage all
stakeholders in the effort to restore confidence among the political actors, civil
society and security services and to intensify its efforts including the early dispatch
of a delegation of the region to Bissau to facilitate a speedy and peaceful transition
to constitutional governance;
10. Welcomes the statement issued on 2nd March 2009 by the Chairperson of
the Union;
11. Further welcomes the initiatives already taken by the Chairperson of the
Commission and requests him, in close consultation with the Chairperson of the
Union, ECOWAS and Member States of the region, to take all necessary steps to
address the crisis, including through the despatch of an envoy to the region;
12. Recalls its communiqué adopted at its 163rd meeting held at Ministerial level
on 22 December 2008 and, in this regard, reiterates its appeal to Member States,
as well as to the international community, to assist Guinea Bissau in the reform of
its security and defense sectors and public service;
13. Requests the Commission to submit to the Council, within thirty days, a
report on the situation in Guinea Bissau, with recommendations for concrete action
to be taken;
14. Decides to remain seized of the matter.