Security Council warns drug trafficking undermines stability

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