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Representatives of political parties, civil society and the state on Monday began a three-day seminar aimed at helping them to reach a consensus on a new constitution for Guinea-Bissau.
The constitution had been amended in parliament but not promulgated due to disagreement over some of its provisions. One of its most disputed aspects had to do with the relationship between the military and the government. Another was an article limiting top state positions such as the posts of president, prime minister, minister or ambassador to people of Bissau-Guinean parentage.
"In a country where about half the population is said to have come from abroad, mainly Guinea, Senegal, Gambia and Cape Verde, such an article creates serious problems," a humanitarian source told IRIN.
The seminar, organised by the UN Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS)and the legislature, is aimed at contributing towards a consensus and the consolidation of peace in Guinea-Bissau, the source said.
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