The UN is closing its offices while the fate of a former prime minister who fled to its premises has still not been resolved. Aristides Gomes fled to the UN Special Bureau in Bissau eight months ago, fearing for his life after President Umaro Sissoco Embalo came to power. On Friday, during a ceremony, the UN Office marks the end of its activities, its mandate ending at the end of the year.
The representative of the UN Secretary-General in Bissau, Rosine Coulibaly, described as “sensitive” the situation for former Prime Ministerand claims that discussions about his fate are ongoing.
“Uncertainty”
Aristides Gomes felt insecure. He asked for UN protection and that is our role. It is our role and it is not the first time in reality that we in Guinea-Bissau and elsewhere provide protection for those who believe there is a risk to their lives or a risk to the observance of their rights, recalls Rosine Coulibaly.
The UN Secretary-General in Bissau specifies that this is part of their mission and that it is not a problem.
Respect human rights
Rosine Coulibaly wants to reassure: “The Binugbis mission, the UN’s integrated office, will be closed, but the UN is there. If someone is under UN protection, and the UN is there, the protection must continue. And we only hope that this problem will be solved in the most beautiful way, of course with respect for the country’s texts, but with respect for this person’s rights. ”
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