“Mediation efforts by the Economic Community of Western African States have been essential in the intense negotiations between political stakeholders to contribute to a way out of the long-lasting political crisis” – says the statement of the European External Action Service (EEAS), commenting the appointment of an inclusive government, chaired by consensual Prime Minister Aristide Gomes,  which has reopened the National Assembly, and made an announcement of legislative elections for November 2018.  Both movements are considered by the EEAS are the major steps towards the resumption of a “normal functioning” of the State institutions in Guinea Bissau and the preparation of the new electoral cycle.

“Now is the time to consolidate political and institutional progress, have a programme and budget for the government presented and discussed in the reopened National Parliamentary Assembly, and start preparations for the legislative elections.”

“We encourage all stakeholders to engage in this new opportunity for the recovery of democratic normality, Rule of Law and institutional stability. With that purpose, we stand ready to collaborate with the authorities of Guinea Bissau for transparent and inclusive legislative elections on 18 November 2018.”

“The EU will maintain its engagement and coordinated action with international partners, especially within the P5 group – the United Nations, the African Union,  ECOWAS, the Community of Portuguese Language Countries – to promote stability, democracy and development for the people of Guinea Bissau.”