Reuters AlertNet Lite - GUINEA-BISSAU: Security Council warns drug trafficking undermines stability

Reuters AlertNet Full site

NEWSDESK

GUINEA-BISSAU: Security Council warns drug trafficking undermines stability

22 Oct 2007 18:19:03 GMT
Source: IRIN

DAKAR, 22 October 2007 (IRIN) - The UN Security Council has warned that Guinea Bissau is being "undermined" by prolific drug trafficking which is making the tiny country a threat to West Africa's stability.

"The Security Council notes with deep concern the threat posed by drug and human trafficking, which can undermine the important gains made with respect to rule of law, democratic and transparent governance," the Council said in a Presidential Statement delivered in New York on 19 October.

Drug trafficking in Guinea Bissau could have "negative implications towards the region, as well as other regions," the Council noted.

Guinea Bissau is "not a priority" for the Council according to the Security Council Report, an NGO which monitors and reports on the Security Council's agenda.

"Guinea Bissau's case has lacked support from influential members," the NGO noted in its October report. "Observers contrast for example US support for Liberia, UK support for Sierra Leone and French support for Cote d'Ivoire."

Guinea Bissau was on the Council's agenda because the UN Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea Bissau (UNOGBIS) earlier this month published its quarterly report on the mission's activities. In the report, it warned that Bissau's government could be implicated in the drug trade.

The 15-member Security Council took just seven minutes to debate Guinea Bissau.

However, the publishing of a Presidential statement on the country represents a trend of growing attention on the country.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regional organisation will later this year host a regional conference aimed at developing a regional plan to combat drug trafficking and organised crime.

Guinea Bissau's largest donor, Portugal, will in December host an international conference that will focus on the impact of drug trafficking on Guinea Bissau.

nr/vj

Email this article Send comments

Countries

Small country map
© 2004 Europa Technologies Ltd.

Reset map

• Guinea profile
· View map

• Liberia profile
· View map

• Sierra Leone profile
· View map

MORE >>

NGO latest

• Brown government disappoints on first test of AIDS commitment
International HIV/AIDS Alliance - UK

• HungerFREE Campaign Tells UN: "Put food on the table"
ActionAid - USA

• Publications Update: a new newsletter from the International HIV/AIDS Alliance
International HIV/AIDS Alliance - UK

• New International Health Partnership must build on AIDS accountability
International HIV/AIDS Alliance - UK

• International Federation responds to severe floods in West Africa
IFRC - Switzerland

MORE >>

Latest news

• GUINEA-BISSAU: Security Council warns drug trafficking undermines stability

• Clutch of countries resist Liberia debt relief

• Sierra Leone president vows dam will bring power

• Khmer Rouge No. 2 picks Dutch defence lawyer

• Togo ruling party wins parliamentary elections

MORE >>

Last updated:Mon Oct 22 18:22:52 2007