Peace Building in Guinea-Bissau

Ever since Guinea-Bissau won its

independence in 1974, it has been plagued
by a cycle of democratic elections and
military coups. Once seen as a model for
post-colonial Africa, Guinea-Bissau is now
one of the poorest countries in the world and
has developed an economy largely based on
foreign aid and illegal markets. Its first true
multiparty elections were held in 1994,
which were followed by the extremely
bloody Guinea-Bissau Civil War in 1998.
Since the wars end in 2000, numerous
elections have been held, but no president
has been able to fulfill his term to this day.
The most recent coup took place in
late April of this year and left the country
under military rule. The democratically
elected president and prime minister were
arrested and placed in military custody.
Following this take over, a National
Transitional Council was formed, with
Manuel Serifo Nhamadjo as its president
and Braima Sori Djalo as the Council leader.
Both of these men were quite vocal leaders
of the opposition to the former presidents
election. The Council will lead the country
until it returns to civilian rule, an event

leaders say will occur in two years time, but

is doubted by the international community.
Since the fall of the government
there have been numerous reports of human
rights abuses and a possible increase in drug
trafficking. The United Nations Security
Council has levied a travel ban on five
leaders of the coup and has sent around 600
troops to the country. It has also threatened
an embargo and financial sanctions. The
European Union has proceeded with
financial sanctions (including asset freezes
of the coup leaders) and a travel ban within
the EU. The West African organization
ECOWAS has also imposed sanctions on the
coup leaders and many foreign aid programs
have been terminated, having a detrimental
effect on the economy. Guinea-Bissau has
also been suspended from the African Union
until it returns to democratic rule.
What can be done to end the human rights
abuses currently taking place?
How can Guinea-Bissau be encouraged to
return to democratic rule as quickly as
possible?
How can we deter future military coups?