Addis Ababa, 11 May 2012: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Jean  Ping,  continues  to  closely monitor  developments  in  Guinea-Bissau.  In  particular,  he maintains  regular  contact  with  all  relevant  international  actors,  notably  the  Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), towards the early restoration of constitutional order in the country. 

The Chairperson of the Commission recalls that, at  its 319th meeting held on 24 April 2012, the AU Peace and Security Council  (PSC), reaffirming the principle of subsidiarity, endorsed the  decisions  of  ECOWAS,  in  particular  the  deployment  of  a  stabilization  mission,  and welcomed  the commitment and dynamism of ECOWAS  in dealing with  the crisis  in Guinea Bissau.  

 

In this context, the Chairperson of the Commission welcomes the continued engagement of ECOWAS in promoting the return to constitutional order in Guinea Bissau. 

 

The  Chairperson  of  the  Commission  stresses  the  importance  of  continued  consultation among all  relevant  international actors, to  facilitate a coordinated approach and concerted support to the ECOWAS efforts, with the view to restoring constitutional order, completing the defense and security sector reform,  and fighting against drug trafficking and impunity.

 

 

In conformity with the PSC communiqué of 24 April 2012, the AU is making arrangements for the holding,  in  the  context of  a Multilateral Consultation and Coordination  Framework on the  Stabilization  of  Guinea  Bissau,  of  a  meeting  that  would  bring  together  all  relevant international actors, to develop a comprehensive strategy that would facilitate a speedy and lasting solution. This strategy will be reviewed by the PSC, before submission to the United Nations Security Council and other multilateral partners concerned, in order to mobilize the necessary support and facilitate its effective implementation. 

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