The United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) has officially closed its doors. The beginning of its activity dates back to January 2010, as a result of the eleven-month civil war between the government of President Joao Bernardo Vieira and a Military Junta led by General Ansumane Mane, that took place in the territory. 

The end of the mandate is happening in time with what was established in Resolution 2512, written and adopted by the Security Council back in 28 February 2020. As stated in the resolution, the office’s activities have operated in different fields; from following and supporting the governance and political process, to covering human rights and gender matters, together with reforming the security sector, combating drug trafficking and organized crime, and mobilitating the UN’s partners interests towards Guinea-Bissau. 

Big steps forward have been made, especially in support of the governance, through processes such as the constitutional review in favor of a more developed democracy, the establishment of political dialogue between parties, the assistance in the ground work with government officials, political parties, civil society organizations or State institutions, in their engagement to find peaceful dispute-settlement mechanisms.

However, although there have been dramatic leaps forward, the political fragility and the social instability affecting Guinea-Bissau is still evident. Indeed, Rosine Sori-Coulibaly, Special Representative and Head of UNIOGBIS, warned the UN Security Council that entrenched political divisions in the country pose a serious threat to stability, hinting that there is still  a lot of work to be done. Moreover, Ms. Sori-Coulibaly exposed her plans towards the foundation of a high-level stage that would bring together international partners and national specialists to discuss, keep up the momentum and promote the country’s efforts to change under the administration of the Resident Coordinator following the closure of the Office.

On the other hand, Mr. Guterres pronounced that the UN will sustain the individuals and the Government of Guinea-Bissau in their efforts to attain sustainable peace and advancement within the nation, and to fully implement critical changes.

To know more, please read: 

https://uniogbis.unmissions.org/en/governance-and-political-process 

https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/3854182?ln=en 

https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/12/1081212