9 June 2009
The Security Council today spoke out against the recent killings of top political figures in Guinea-Bissau, serving as a "tragic setback" to the West African nation which has been rocked by a series of civil conflicts, coups d'état and uprisings in recent decades.
Baciro Dabo, a candidate in the 28 June presidential elections, and Helder Proenca, a Member of Parliament and former Minister of Defense, were assassinated on 5 June.
"The members of the Security Council called on the Government of Guinea-Bissau to bring to justice those responsible for these violent acts," according to a press statement read out by Ambassador Baki Ilkin of Turkey, which holds the body's rotating presidency this month.
Last week, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that he was "dismayed" by the news of the killings, emphasizing that "they should not be allowed to deter the forthcoming presidential elections."
In today's statement, the Council also underscored the importance of national reconciliation and fighting impunity in the country.
Its members also voiced their concern "over the resurgence of political violence, which constitutes a tragic setback to efforts to restore peace and stability, as well as the rule of law and democratic process in the country."
President Joao Bernardo Vieira and Chief of Staff Tagme Na Waie were killed on 1 and 2 March, respectively, and their murders were condemned by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, the Security Council, the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Today's statement called on the Government, political leaders, the military and people of Guinea-Bissau to "exercise restraint, maintain stability and constitutional order, and respect the rule of law and the democratic process," as well as urging the international community to continue its support for the country.
It also appealed to regional and sub-regional organizations to help with the investigations into the pattern of killings.
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This is what awaits the corrupt & heartless politicians in Nigeria. Ordinary folks have nothing to worry about the military juntas who are out to remedy the excesses of African civilian politicians. As Emperor Yar, today, turns the military guns on defenseless women and children in the Niger Delta, tomorrow, the same JTF will turn the same guns at him and his fellow looters in the NASS. Mark my words....the same way Shagari went, if he is lucky.
Poverty and lack of political awereness couple with self-fishness of the Bissau leadership is tearing apart what suspose to be a beautiful country. It is sadden to read about the mumerous irresponsible killings of people by the militry in the name of whatever they are claiming to protect/defend. Nino's return to Bissau was a big mistake and Bissua and its people will continue to pay the price for sometime, if the security council did not intervein to protect its citizen and if possible to disarm its bandits they call militry personals.
Violence has never solved African problems but at times it is necessary to show those that hang on to power and their associates that the people not fools.There comes a time when people get fed up with politics and require basic needs of survival.Just because the President died and you switched ships does not make you a saint.You were eating the same bread with the President and now join him at the same banquet.Good riddance!!!!!!The laws of the Serengeti have balanced the scales of Mother Nature.
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