UN Security Council asks Guinea-Bissau to name new prime minister

The UN Security Council on Thursday asked President of Guinea-Bissau Jose Mario Vaz to name a prime minister who can garner wide political support.

In a statement, the 15-nation council expressed its deep concern over the protracted political crisis in Guinea-Bissau "as a result of the inability of political stakeholders to reach a lasting and consensual solution, leading to the current gridlock."

"The members of the Council invited President Vaz to appoint a Prime Minister whose selection respects the provisions of the Conakry Agreement," said the statement.

According to the agreement which aims to end the political crisis in the country, a prime minister agreed by all parties was to be appointed by President Vaz and an inclusive government was to be formed.

However, President Vaz appointed Umaro Sissoco Embalo without the approval of the PAIGC, the main party of the country which rejected the nomination and refused to participate in the government.

The Political impasse in Guinea-Bissau has lasted more than a year, breeding threats including drug trafficking and violent extremism in the country

The Security Council reiterated that it will continue to monitor the current political crisis and "take necessary measures to respond to further worsening of the situation in Guinea-Bissau." Enditem