Guinea-Bissau: Consultations over failure to respect democratic principles

The European Commission invited Guinea-Bissau, 20 December, to open talks over breaches of its commitments under the Cotonou Agreement (2000-2020) between the European Union (EU) and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries.

Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement offers the possibility of such talks if a party of the Cotonou Agreement is deemed to have flouted one or more of its “essential elements” which pertain to respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law. Consultations usually cover a constructive examination of the situation, enabling one party concerned to take measures to remedy the situation, before other measures such as a suspension of aid are taken.

“I have proposed this initiative to the EU Member States because of our concerns about the situation with regard to democratic principles and respect for the rule of law. We hope that consultations will help resolve the situation and so lay solid foundations for strengthened relations between the EU and Guinea-Bissau,” said EU Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs. EU officials say that the measures that need to be taken in Guinea-Bissau include bringing an end to illegal detention and impunity, strengthening civil authority, accepting a possible international stabilisation mission and restarting reforms in the security sector.

If consultations do not lead to an acceptable solution, EU officials confirm that, “appropriate measures” may follow. These could include the partial or total suspension of development cooperation, with the exception of humanitarian assistance and direct support to the population.

Altogether, Guinea Bissau is earmarked to receive €120M under the European Development Fund (EDF) and the EU budget until the end of 2013. The funds are intended to support the country in strengthening the rule of law and democracy (reform of the administration, the justice system, the security forces, etc.), as well as facilitating the population’s access to basic services, such as water and energy. A third pillar is for budgetary aid, focusing on macroeconomic stabilisation.

The Commission says that the decision reflects concern about the situation in Guinea-Bissau over the respect for democratic principles and the rule of law. It adds that it indicates a willingness to put in place a strategy to end the crisis together with the various parties involved.

>In the midst of a mutiny of part of the country’s army on 1 April 2010, the incumbent Prime Minister, Carlos Gomes Junior, was placed under house arrest by soldiers, who also detained Army Chief of Staff, Zamora Induta.

Individuals linked to the rebellion or suspected of being involved in illegal activities were appointed to high-ranking positions in the armed forces. The mutiny also halted reform of the security sector (police, army, justice system, etc.). This sector is deemed essential for peace, security and sustainable development in Guinea-Bissau, as well as for the fight against drug smuggling and organised crime. The EU halted its support for this sector in August 2010.

If dialogue fails, the EU can take a decision to suspend development aid.