UN Security Council calls for political solution to crisis in Guinea-Bissau

The UN Security Council on Wednesday encouraged national actors of Guinea-Bissau to abide by the rule of law, while striving to find a political solution to the country's crisis.

The 15-nation council expressed their serious concern over the latest political development in Guinea-Bissau after it was briefed on the country's current situation, said a press statement released here.

Joao Soares Da Gama, ambassador of Guinea-Bissau to the United Nations, told the council on Wednesday that his country is "practically paralyzed" due to prolonged political and institutional crises.

Last month, President of Guinea-Bissau Jose Mario Vaz named Baciro Dja as the country's new prime minister. The appointment triggered immediate opposition from the ruling African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC).

The current political crisis is affecting Guinea-Bissau's economic development, according to Soares Da Gama.

"We are aware that the political and institutional crises that have been isolating our country in the past year deserve a political will of the main actors in our country," said Soares Da Gama.

The UN Security Council stressed the need for the government of Guinea-Bissau to continue to take concrete steps towards peace, security and stability in the country, by effectively reforming the security sector and tackling corruption.

"The members of the Security Council reiterated their commitment to continue to monitor the current political crisis and expressed their readiness to take necessary measures to respond to further worsening of the situation in Guinea-Bissau," said the statement. Enditem