U.N. Security Council extends mandate of UN Guinea-Bissau peace-building office for another year
The United Nations Security Council on Thursday extended the mandate of the UN Integrated Peace-Building office in Guinea-Bissau, known as UNIOGBIS, for another year, and urged all political actors in the country to implement the provisions of the Conakry Agreement signed last October.
UNSC endorsed the Conakry Agreement, saying that “it offers a historic opportunity for national authorities and political leaders, as well as civil society, to jointly ensure political stability and build sustainable peace.”
The 15-members of the Council welcomed and supported a high-level mission to the country that is expected to be dispatched by the regional bloc Economic Community of Western African States (ECOWAS) as part of a follow-up for implementation of the Agreement.
Under its renewed mandate, which will begin on 1 March 2017 and run through at least 28 February 2018, UNIOGBIS will also continue to work with ECOWAS, its mission in Guinea-Bissau (ECOMIB) and other international partners to implement national security sector reform and strengthen the rule of law.
Among its primary responsibilities, the Council mandated the Office to focus its efforts on supporting an inclusive political dialogue and national reconciliation, and providing technical assistance to national authorities.
