THE AFRICAN UNION REJECTS THE ONGOING UNCONSTITUTIONAL MANOEUVRES IN GUINEA BISSAU

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, April 17, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Jean Ping, who continues to follow closely the evolution of the situation in Guinea Bissau, notes, with deep regret, that the latest developments taking place in that country confirm the concerns expressed by the AU regarding the calling into question of constitutional legality. In this regard, he notes the attempt by the Armed Forces of Guinea Bissau to establish a so‐called “new political architecture”, which constitutes a flagrant violation of the Constitution of Guinea Bissau and aims at stopping arbitrarily the ongoing electoral process.

In the face of this dangerous situation, the Chairperson of the Commission urgently appeals to all the political actors of Guinea Bissau so that, in the supreme interest of their country, they refuse to be involved in a manipulation aimed at window‐dressing a definite coup d'état which will compromise the efforts made over the past years to establish the necessary conditions for a lasting stabilization of Guinea Bissau. He reaffirms the rejection by the AU of any attempt to undermine the constitutional order, whatever be its form.

The Chairperson of the Commission is in contact with the leaders of ECOWAS and the partners of the AU with a view to promoting a strong and coordinated response to the present developments in Guinea Bissau. In that perspective, he will soon submit a report to the AU Peace and Security Council to enable it, in conformity with the relevant instruments of the AU, take the necessary measures demanded by the situation so as to immediately restore constitutional legality and conclude the electoral process.