Statement by the spokesperson on the upcoming ECOWAS presidential mission to Guinea Bissau

The Economic Community of Western African States (ECOWAS) presidential mission to Bissau on 5 November, by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia, and Minister of State Kiridy Bangoura, representing Alpha Condé, President of Guinea and ECOWAS mediator, provides the opportunity to make decisive progress in solving the persisting crisis in Guinea Bissau.

The current political stalemate puts at risk Guinea Bissau's stability and development. It must be overcome by the swift appointment of a consensual Prime Minister which all the key political actors can accept, in accordance with the Conakry Agreement.

The European Union fully supports the continued efforts of ECOWAS to achieve a consensual solution. Together with other international partners, in particular within the P5 framework, the EU stands ready to maintain its commitment to support Guinea Bissau's way out of the crisis, based on the major advances that were achieved with the Bissau and Conakry agreements of 10 September and 14 October respectively. Further delays in implementing these agreements are not acceptable.