UN Security Council extends peace-building mandate in Guinea-Bissau

The UN Security Council on Wednesday extended the mandate of a peacebuilding office in Guinea- Bissau for another year until Feb. 29, 2016.

In a resolution adopted by the council, it reaffirmed "its full commitment to the consolidation of peace and stability in Guinea- Bissau" and decided to renew the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS).

The peacebuilding office is requested to focus on supporting an inclusive political dialogue and national reconciliation, providing advice and support to national authorities as well as supporting the government of Guinea Bissau in coordination of international assistance.

The 15-member UN body also called upon the authorities of Guinea Bissau and all stakeholders "to work together to consolidate progress and eradicate the root cause of instability," reiterating its demand to the security and defense services "to submit themselves fully to civilian control."

It also calls upon Guinea-Bissau authorities to strengthen legislations and mechanisms in fighting transnational organized crime, in particular drug trafficking and money laundering. The current mandate of UNIOGBIS, which was established in 2010 to replace the previous peacebuilding support office, expires at the end of this month. Endite