Angola Proposes Inclusive Dialogue to Stabilize Political Situation in Guinea-Bissau

Addis ababa: On Thursday, Angola proposed promoting an inclusive national dialogue in Guinea-Bissau involving all political forces and civil society. The goal is to define a consensual roadmap that will allow for the restoration of constitutional order. According to Angola Press News Agency, this was expressed by Angola's Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU), Miguel Bembe, during the 1333rd meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council, dedicated to analyzing the political situation in Guinea-Bissau. During the session, the diplomat presented, on behalf of Angola, a series of contributions considered important to help overcome the current political environment in the African country and promote a full return to institutional normality. Miguel Bembe also mentioned the importance of developing an integrated security sector reform plan, with the support of the African Union and international partners, aimed at professionalizing the armed forces and strengthening their subordination to c ivilian power. In terms of international cooperation, the Angolan diplomat suggested strategic coordination between the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the United Nations, and the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), through a joint mechanism to monitor ongoing initiatives. The diplomat explained that harmonizing efforts between different organizations could contribute to increasing the effectiveness of diplomatic and institutional action in support of the country's stability. Among other measures, Miguel Bembe also pointed to the need for the immediate release of troubled political prisoners and the full restoration of fundamental freedoms, as well as the mobilization of technical and financial support to accompany the political normalization process. This support could include assistance to the electoral process, conditional on compliance with the commitments established in the political roadmap agreed between the parties.