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Guinea-Bissau on a 'downward course' - Annan

12 June – Contrary to earlier expectations, the political, economic and security situation in Guinea-Bissau has worsened and the country's leaders should make every effort to ensure peace-building agendas can be put back on track, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan says in a new report.

"There is now consensus that Guinea-Bissau, which has seemed so promising following the ending of the 1998-1999 armed conflict and the holding of free and fair elections, is now once again embarked on a downward course," Mr. Annan states in his new report to the Security Council on the activities of the UN Peace-building Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS) and developments in that country since last December.

"Amid political and institutional instability, electoral uncertainty has continued to generate tensions, as the question of the promulgation of the revised constitution remains unresolved," Mr. Annan says.

He stresses that the forthcoming July legislative elections - in which the UN is providing technical assistance - are widely seen as a crucial test of the country's young democratic process. "Should the United Nations determine that conditions are not conducive for free, fair and credible elections, the Organization could reconsider its assistance," Mr. Annan warns.

"In advance of the announced legislative elections, the human rights situation in the country has become more fragile, reflecting, and at the same time, adding to, the general instability in Guinea-Bissau," Mr. Annan notes. In addition, he reports that the worsening social and economic situation also continues to sharpen political tensions.

"The political will of the international community to provide support to Guinea-Bissau and its people is palpable," the Secretary-General says welcoming the continued donor engagement and encouraging other international partners to be equally involved.

Mr. Annan calls on Guinea-Bissau's leaders to do more to restore confidence and trust within the country, as well as among international partners. "The country's elected leaders have a sacred responsibility to put the people's needs above all other considerations and create basic conditions for democratic governance, peace and stability," he adds.