UNSC urges leaders of Guinea-Bissau to seek dialogue, consensus

UN Security Council on Friday called on leaders to seek dialogue and consensus in resolving the crisis in a manner that serves the interests of the Bissau-Guinean people.

After being briefed by Assistant Secretary General Taye-Brook Zerihoun on the situation in Guinea Bissau, the council expressed concern over the current political developments in the country in a statement issued to the press.

The council encouraged all parties to remain calm and called on the security forces, civil society and political leaders to continue to act in a peaceful manner in accordance with the constitution and the rule of law. It underscored the importance of the non-interference of security forces in the political situation of Guinea Bissau, said the statement.

Reports said a rift between the president and prime minister could trigger a political crisis and the country might slip back into chaos.

The council called on parties to resolve the ongoing political dispute in the interest of peace in Guinea Bissau, said the statement.

"They welcomed the continued engagement of SRSG Miguel Trovoada, President Macky Sall, in his capacity as the Chairman of ECOWAS and other interlocutors in the search for a peaceful solution to the impasse and underlined the need for concerted action between ECOWAS, the AU, CPLP, the EU and the United Nations," said the statement.

The members of the Security Council also expressed their intention to follow the situation closely and respond appropriately.

Guinea Bissau, one of the poorest countries in the world, has experienced various coups, misrule and political instability since it gained independence from Portugal in 1974.