UN Warning as Crisis Deepens in Guinea-Bissau

The United Nations (UN) Security Council President and British Ambassador to the UN Karen Pierce has said that there is “urgent need” for the upcoming elections later this month in Guinea-Bissau to be held in times of peace.

Her statement comes at a time when President José Mário Vaz has sacked the Prime Minister, Aristides Gomes, though Mr Gomes has refused to go.

“The Security Council also reminds all actors that the Council’s possible reconsideration of the existing sanctions regime will depend on their orderly conduct as well as that of other political actors”, Pierce continued.

“It also reminds stakeholders that it will consider taking appropriate measures against those who undermine stability”.

This fierce rebuke from the UN’s most powerful body serves as a stark warning to the government of Mr Vaz, who has managed to cling onto power since his election in 2014.

Further condemnation came from ECOWAS, the 15-state African regional bloc, who called the Prime Minister’s dismissal “illegal”.

This is a troubling time for the West African country, a state in which narco-trafficking and corruption is so deeply ingrained it has earned a reputation as “Africa’s narco-state”.

The latest move from President Vaz means his short tenure has seen eight Prime Ministers come and go, with his ninth appointment expected in the coming days.