UN, EU condemn reported coup attempt in Guinea-Bissau

2011-12-29 05:51:37 GMT+7 (ICT)

BISSAU, GUINEA-BISSAU (BNO NEWS) -- The United Nations and the European Union have condemned the use of force during a reported coup attempt in the West African nation of Guinea-Bissau earlier this week. Several high-ranking officials have been arrested.

Rear Admiral Bubo Na Tchuto, the head of the general staff of the Navy, was among those arrested following Monday's disturbances, which senior officials have described as a coup attempt. There were also reports of clashes in the country's capital, Bissau.

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the use of force to 'settle differences' in the African nation. "The primacy of the lawful civilian authorities according to the constitution must be respected," Ban said through his spokesman.

The UN chief also encouraged the authorities of Guinea-Bissau to respect due process in the investigation of the reported events. "[ban] is following the situation in Guinea-Bissau and reaffirms the support of the United Nations to the peacebuilding process in the country," the spokesman said.

A spokesperson for European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton also expressed deep concern about the events. "She condemns in the strongest possible terms such anti-constitutional actions," the spokesperson said. "She would like to express her full solidarity with all those who have suffered from such violent activities, and she warmly commends the serene and peaceful reaction of most Guinean citizens."

The spokesperson added: "Violent attempts against constitutional legality can not be allowed, and must stop. The High Representative calls on all actors in the country to solve differences using exclusively legal means, and to uphold at all times the rule of law. It is also important that those responsible for criminal actions are brought to justice, within strict respect for due process and legal rights. She calls for proportionality and restraint in the reactions by the authorities to protect civilian rule."

Earlier this month, the UN Security Council renewed the mandate of the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) until February 2013 to consolidate peace and stability and urged the Government and other political actors to work together towards that goal.

UNIOGBIS was established by the UN Security Council in 2009 and tasked with promoting stability in Guinea-Bissau, which has been beset by coups and political instability since independence from Portugal in the early 1970s. Incumbent President Malam Bacai Sanhá, who came to power in September 2009 following presidential elections, is the only president of Guinea-Bissau who has not been killed in office or overthrown. He is currently hospitalized in France due to diabetes.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-12-29

Does all of this condemning ever work?

it's better than all the violence

it's better than all the violence

Of course, but it has zero effect on it. Those doing the condeming could accomplish the same by saying nothing (and saving a lot of money that could used in a more productive way).

A coup there is almost as easy as a coup in Thailand, where it took just a couple tanks parked in downtown Bkk. Perhaps a group of Thai Visaites should band together and find a small country to take over. Naw, on 2nd thought, too much hassle. Easier yet, to just lay back and read (and respond to) world events while staring at a computer screen. However, it might be fun to issue our own postage stamps (my face featured?), our own money, apply for multi-billion dollar loans from the US, World Bank, and IMF. Buy yachts. Get the loans forgiven. Get more loans. Anyone skilled at designing a flag and coat of arms?

I want to be the Head of Immigration. I will make it a lot easier. They only have to report every 99 days instead of the silly 90 days!