Conakry, October 17, 2019
For Immediate Release
Declaration of the Missions to the Republic of Guinea of the United Nations, ECOWAS, the Delegation of the European Union, the United States, France, Belgium, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom:
The political crisis in the Republic of Guinea is a source of concern for the international community. The lack of dialogue between the various political actors causes an escalation of tension with recourse to violence, which could seriously undermine democratic progress. We call on all actors to renew the dialogue within the framework of the political roundtable (le comité de suivi).
The international community recalls that the right to demonstrate is an essential element of democratic expression, as is the freedom of the press. It is up to the various actors to show calmness and restraint by banning all recourse to violence or a disproportionate use of force. It is important that the fundamental freedoms are respected and that the Guinean government ensures respect for the rule of law.
The international community is convinced that the only way to stability, growth and democracy lies in the spirit of collaboration and consultation of all stakeholders in order to develop a peaceful and prosperous Guinea. It is thus essential to organize within the legal timeframes, elections, legislative and presidential, free, credible and transparent, within the constitutional framework and in a peaceful environment. The potential early release of those preemptively detained would help calm political tensions.
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