“Guinea-Bissau is now benefiting from a legitimate civilian regime, improved governance, a better economy and an army chastened after its last coup in 2012. This adds up to a rare opportunity to move beyond four decades of military dominance, but this small West African state will need regional and international help on security sector reform”.
Rinaldo Depagne, Project Director, West Africa
“The main threats to the currently favourable outlook for reforming Guinea-Bissau’s security sector are lack of funds and potential political tensions between President Vaz and Prime Minister Pereira. The two must keep disagreements out of the vital initiative to improve the security establishment, a burden that has blocked the country’s path to development for too long”.
Comfort Ero, Program Director, Africa
“The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken a welcome lead in helping Guinea-Bissau, part of an encouraging pattern of coherent support for change from international partners. But ECOWAS must ensure that the reforms are done transparently and with a long-term perspective”.
Jean- Marie Guéhenno, President & CEO
“Help from international partners is of critical importance to support Guinea-Bissau’s security reforms. When they meet in Brussels on 25 March, they should approve more funds to support the government’s five-year reform plan, confirm aid for ECOWAS’s military mission until 2019 and create an appropriate monitoring committee. This will send a strong message of support for a country that could become a bright spot in West Africa”.
