Guinea-Bissau: why a stabilisation force may be useful

Abstract

Over the years, Guinea-Bissau has become the prototype of a failed state. With the double assassinations of President Bernado Nino Viera and Army Chief of Staff Tagme Na Wae, the last two years were rich in political drama. Subsequent political processes do not seem to be having any impact on the return of the country to political normalcy, however. The call by President Malam Bacai Sanhá on the international community to send a stabilisation force to his country is widely commended. Such a force could well help create an environment that is conducive to the successful completion of post-conflict reforms. It is an opportunity that the African Union in conjunction with the Economic Community Of West African States and Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries should seriously consider against the backdrop of the decision by the European Union and the United States to reconsider their involvement in Guinea-Bissau.