Regional and UN Diplomacy Intensifies in Bissau as Crisis Deepens

By: The Fatu Network News Desk

The United Nations envoy for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Simão, began meetings in Bissau yesterday as regional and international pressure on Guinea Bissau’s new military authorities continues to mount. His visit coincided with the arrival of a high level ECOWAS delegation led by Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, who met transitional leader Major General Horta Nta to press for a clear return to constitutional rule.

Simão said the National Electoral Commission has informed mediators that it is not technically able to publish the results of the November 23rd general elections, even though ECOWAS has identified publication as one of its key demands. The commission maintains it has not received all the documents needed for regional reconciliation of the tally and cannot proceed until those materials are submitted.

He added that the ECOWAS delegation did not meet candidate Fernando Dias because such a meeting was not part of the planned programme. The release of those detained during the coup also remains a key condition for ECOWAS, which views it as essential to restoring political credibility. The military, for its part, has defended its intervention by citing fears of post election conflict and has signalled intentions to pursue reforms during a one year transition.

Both the UN and ECOWAS missions will now prepare their findings for regional leaders, who are expected to review the crisis later this month as demands grow for a firm timeline back to constitutional order.

 By: The Fatu Network News Desk The United Nations envoy for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Simão, began meetings in Bissau yesterday as regional and international pressure on Guinea Bissau’s new military authorities continues to mount. His visit coincided with the arrival of a high level ECOWAS delegation led by Sierra Leone’s President Julius The Fatu Network