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Momodou
Denmark
11717 Posts |
 Posted - 29 Jul 2008 : 22:00:07
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Guinea-Bissau: In Need of a State
AfricaFocus Bulletin
Jul 28, 2008 (080728)
(Reposted from sources cited below)
Editor's Note
"Drugs arrive by boat or by air from Venezulea, Colombia, or Brazil to be stored in Guinea-Bissau before being redistributed in smaller lots to Europe. The process is relatively easy for the traffickers. The state of Guinea-Bissau has no logistical capacity to control its territory, particularly some 90 coastal islands." - International Crisis Group.
Spurred in large part by the need to combat the drug trade, international support for Guinea-Bissau is likely to increase, as critical elections are scheduled for November this year.
Nevertheless, as noted in the International Crisis Group report "Guinea-Bissau: In Need of a State," released in early July, the country still lacks functioning state institutions, more than three decades after its independence from Portugal.
This AfricaFocus Bulletin contains the executive summary of the International Crisis Group report and excerpts from a visit to Guiniea-Bissau by a delegation from the UN's Peacebuilding Support unit. The full Crisis Group report is only available in French, at http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=5549&l=2
Given that international attention to Guinea-Bissau is so infrequent, and that this report provides a very clear analysis and summary of events in Guinea-Bissau since independence, the web version of this AfricaFocus Bulletin also includes excerpts from the full report, in French, at http://www.africafocus.org/docs08/gb0807.php#fr
For additional links and background on Guinea-Bissau, see http://www.africafocus.org/country/guineabissau.php
There is also extensive background information in Portuguese and English, including regular UN reports, at the site of the United Nations Peace-Building Support Office in Guinea Bissau (UNOGBIS)http://www.unogbis.org/homepage.html and on the United Nations website at http://www.un.org/peace/peacebuilding/pbc-countrymtgs.shtml#gb
For the latest report on drug trafficking in Guinea-Bissau and other African countries, see http://www.incb.org/pdf/annual-report/2007/en/chapter-03.pdf
For a recent news report on Guinea-Bissau's only major export crop (cashews), see http://www.reuters.com/article/inDepthNews/idUSL1146527220080716
For a Washington Post report on new Pentagon interest in drug control in Guinea-Bissau and other West African states, see http://tinyurl.com/3ues4j
For a selection of books on Guinea-Bissau available from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk, covering both pre-independence and post-independence history, visit
http://www.africafocus.org/books/afbooks.php#gb1 or http://www.africafocus.org/books/afbooks_uk.php#gb1
++++++++++++++++++++++end editor's note+++++++++++++++++++++++
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Visit http://www.africafocus.org/books/afbooks.php (Amazon.com) or http://www.africafocus.org/books/afbooks_uk.php (Amazon.co.uk)
In addition to books on Guinea-Bissau, noted above, the country section now contains selections of ten books each on ten countries, including Botswana, Eritrea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, and Sudan. If your country of interest is not yet included, check out http://www.africafocus.org/books/aboutbooks.php to find out how to make a selection of your own and send it in.
And special thanks to AfricaFocus subscriber Rae Hendriksz, of the Priority Africa Network in the San Francisco Bay Area, for sending in a selection of African prison memoirs to be featured. Check them out at http://www.africafocus.org/books/themes.php (Amazon.com) or http://www.africafocus.org/books/themes_uk.php (Amazon.co.uk).
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Guinea-Bissau: In Need of a State
Africa Report N 142
2 July 2008
International Crisis Group
http://www.crisisgroup.org/home/index.cfm?id=5549&l=1
Executive Summary
Guinea-Bissau needs a state. Its political and administrative structures are insufficient to guarantee control of its territory, assure minimum public services or counter-balance the army's dominance. This core weakness has been at the root of recurrent political crises, coups d'etat and the proliferation of criminal networks. Despite advancing little in 35 years of independence, Guinea-Bissau appears to have gained new momentum thanks to the signing of a Stability Pact by the three most important political parties in March 2007. Nevertheless, there is real risk of it becoming a narco-state and a political and administrative no-man's-land, attractive to trafficking and terrorist networks in the Maghreb. The international community should urgently support the government's efforts to consolidate democracy, reform the security sector and construct viable state structures.
In Portuguese Guinea the colonial power never built the political, administrative or bureaucratic systems capable of establishing the foundations from which a true post-colonial state could emerge.
Salazar's Portugal refused to grant independence, forcing Guinea-Bissau to fight for self-rule - the only country in the region to gain independence through armed force. No leader since 1974 has tried to establish the necessary structures for a functioning democratic state. Consequently, the country's infrastructure, bureaucracy, administration, political institutions and human- and social-development indexes remain largely unaltered since the first years of independence.
The first coup d'etat after six years of independence, was a direct result of nepotism and a client-based power structure created by the sole political party. This remained the model of reference for future leaders. The first, Bernardo Joao Vieira, kept power for almost twenty years by incorporating the army into his survival strategy. After his fall and civil war (1998-1999), the transition to democratic rule finally broke down due to the army's influence.
Vieira's elected successor, Kumba Yala, also relied heavily on the army, until it overthrew him in 2003. Vieira's return secured the army's political control. Presently, the movement towards greater reform and democracy, fuelled by the Stability Pact and promoted by the government of Martinho Ndafa Cabi, faces the same military resistance and is hampered by the continued absence of functioning political and administrative institutions.
The creation of a democratic state is increasingly urgent as the risk of criminalisation is growing. Cocaine trafficking from Latin America has increased tremendously in recent years, and the country has become a pivotal transit point in the route to European markets. Hundreds of kilograms of the drug are estimated to pass through each week. Revenue from the illicit trade has already corrupted military leaders and political personalities, threatening the democratic process.
Fundamental changes to the way in which the country is run are required. Above all, army reform is needed most urgently to free the political system from military interference. The stakes are considerable both for the country and the West African region, already touched by repeated political crises (Guinea) and drawn-out peace-consolidation processes (Sierra Leone, Liberia).
The international community has taken tentative steps to lend its assistance. A program of reforms addressing major security sector and public administration challenges was adopted in 2007 and, at the request of the prime minister, the country was added to the agenda of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commision (PBC).
However, for these steps to have tangible results for the people of Guinea-Bissau, foreign partners must galvanise their efforts and seize this real opportunity for success.
Dakar/Brussels, 2 July 2008
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Report of the mission to Guinea-Bissau of the Peacebuilding Commission's Country-specific configuration on Guinea-Bissau
6-11 April 2008
[Excerpts only. This full report and other background information and reports are available on http://www.un.org/peace/peacebuilding/pbc-countrymtgs.shtml#gb]
I. Introduction
1. A delegation of the Peacebuilding Commission's country-specific configuration on Guinea-Bissau visited Guinea-Bissau from 6 to 11 April 2008. The purposes of the mission and key messages, the full programme of the visit and the composition of the delegation are recorded in Annexes 2, 3 and 4.
2. The delegation met with the President, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of Parliament, the Foreign Minister, the Ministers of Defence, Justice, Administration Reform, Economy, Social Solidarity, Health, Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, Veteran Affairs and the Secretary of State for International Cooperation, the General Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces and held meetings with the diplomatic community, UNOGBIS, the UN Country Team, the National Steering Committee, the National Electoral Commission, civil society, including NGOs and the private sector, and political parties. The summary records of the discussion are presented in Annex 1.
3. The PBC mission visited several sites in and outside of Bissau, which illustrated some of the peacebuilding challenges faced by the country. These visits included a demining project in Bissau; a women's group agricultural project; a cashew nut processing plant; the electrical power plants in Bissau and Bafata; military barracks in Bissau and in Canchungo; the premises of the Judiciary Police and the prison in Bissau; and a hospital in Canchungo.
4. The members of the mission express appreciation to the Government of Guinea- Bissau and the United Nations team on the ground for their support and assistance during the visit.
II. Assessment
5. ... It seems that many problems faced by Guinea-Bissau stem from the prevailing institutional fragility of the state, constraining the government to effectively manage key aspects of public, political, security and development policies and in delivering basic public services to the population. ...
6. There is a vicious cycle in which the absence of responses to the most elementary needs of the population sets the conditions for political instability, which in turn further enhances the vulnerability of the already fragile state. The consolidation of civilian rule was viewed by the delegation as one of the most important indicators of successful peacebuilding in the country.
...
7. The delegation found that the government has high expectations regarding the PBC and hopes its engagement with the Commission bring tangible results. From a political point of view, the PBC could contribute to ensuring greater stability, as it consolidates its stance as a reliable intermediary between the government and its bilateral and international partners.
8. The PBC delegation was of the view that the process of national reconciliation would be greatly enhanced if the key challenges are properly addressed with a strong political will among the leaders of the country and the support of the international community. Similarly, the PBC delegation recognised the need to boost the country's efforts in capacity building, particularly institutional capacity building, translating the government's political commitment to the peacebuilding efforts in concrete actions.
9. In light of the increased attention currently being given to the country, as well as the likely increase in donor activity, the PBC delegation stressed the need to improve donor coordination mechanisms to allow for a better coordination of assistance by the international community and other stakeholders ...
III. Conclusions and recommendations
10. The PBC delegation identified, through its interactions with the government, the following key areas of priority attention: elections, security sector reform (SSR), rule of law and fight against drug-trafficking, illegal migration and other forms of trans-national organised criminal activities, public administration reform, the reactivation of the economy as well as rebuilding of the infrastructure, particularly in the energy sector.
11. Given the urgency and magnitude of many of the problems faced by Guinea-Bissau, the delegation confirmed the impression that the peacebuilding strategy should be based on a two-track approach, combining strategic planning with quick impact projects. In this connection, it is reasonable that urgency, importance and value-added be the criteria for selection of the Quick Win Projects. At the same time, the mission recognized that the following criteria for assistance will also be useful: (a) contribution to promoting stability; (b) contribution to sustained socio-economic growth and development, which enables the country to stand on its own feet; and (c) contribution to job
creation.
a. Elections
12. The date for the forthcoming parliamentary elections has been set to 16 November 2008. Most interlocutors agreed that preparations for the elections were lagging behind, notably with respect to the national census, voter registration and the civic education campaign. The rainy season, which has started now and ends just before the elections could further complicate the preparations for the process. A major potential constraint to holding the elections, however, is the lack of financial support for the preparation and holding of the elections. Financial assistance is needed to pay the salary arrears from the previous elections and for payment for the preparations for the November elections. The total budget for the 2008 elections amounts to US$ 8.677 million (US$ 2.67 million for voter registration; US$ 4.23 million for costs covered by the National Electoral Commission; US$ 1.76 million for electoral arrears). ...
b. Security Sector Reform
13. The PBC delegation held a separate meeting with the Ministers of Defence and Justice on the ongoing SSR plan. The Ministers underlined that the Government's priorities in SSR included restructuring and modernisation of the current security forces. The continued subordination of the military to civilian control and the commitment to reduce the size of the armed forces were considered as some of the most important aspects of peacebuilding in Guinea-Bissau.
14. The restructuring of the security forces would lead to an army size, appropriate to the needs and means of the country. That size was estimated to be around 3,500 soldiers, excluding the paramilitary, the police, border patrol and judiciary police....Those demobilized as part of the restructuring would need to be provided with alternative economic activities. The possible use of the instruments of micro-credit was mentioned in this context.
15. As part of the modernisation of the security forces, an immediate priority pertains to addressing their living conditions. A visit to the barracks in Bissau and Bafata had given the delegation a better appreciation of the poor living conditions in the barracks and of the urgency of addressing them.
16. Next month, DPKO will conduct a full mapping exercise of the SSR activities ongoing in Guinea-Bissau, which will be followed by a DPKO assessment mission to the country, with a special focus on the criminal and justice system. At the same time, there is recognition that the EC/EU, is already providing considerable support in this area, both on the short and medium to long term.
...
c. Rule of law and combating drug-trafficking, illegal migration and other forms of trans-national organized criminal activities
18. Closely linked to the reform of the security forces is the growing problem of drugtrafficking and trans-national organized crime in Guinea-Bissau. The country's weak capacity to control its isolated and dispersed islands, maritime borders and airspace had made it easy for drug-traffickers to infiltrate the country and establish transit bases for drugs on their way from South America to Europe. Other forms of transnational illegal activities, including illegal migration, take advantage of the weak and ineffective security forces.
... ...
d. Reform of the Public administration
20. Reforming the public administration is one of the key priorities of the government. The government's public sector reform programme has three components: enhancement of the professional competence of the public administration through training and capacity building, improvement of public finance management and improving of public sector systems and procedures.
21. The lack of adequate capacity has hindered the government's ability to deliver basic social services, while the large size of public administration has created difficulties in paying salaries to civil servants. Clearing the backlog of salary arrears stands as an indispensable step in public sector reform.
22. The modernisation and the strengthening of the public sector requires a substantial increase in the current fiscal basis, which in turn depends upon an effective process of reactivation of the economy and the creation of a business-friendly environment.
e. Energy
23. The Government of Guinea-Bissau faces an energy crisis. Not a single generator is working properly at the electric power plant in Bissau. The current output is provided by three leased generators, which only provided a minimal amount of electricity. Total production of energy reaches 2,5 MW, while the current
demand amounts to 20MW, exclusively for the capital.
24. ... A project was being developed to exploit natural and hydro power through the construction of a dam on the Gambia River, with the support of the European Union and the African Development Bank. Two roundtables had been held to that effect and raised 65 percent of the funds needed for the project, which amounted to a total of 1 billion. The project could start in 2008-2009 and could be finished within four to five years.
Guinea-Bissau's expected contribution to this regional project would amount to 8 million. Once completed, the project would only provide the energy needed for the short and medium term. As demand would rise in the rest of the city and the country, however, additional sources of energy would have to be identified.
25. The World Bank and the EC were also funding a master plan to identify and facilitate partnerships with additional partners and stakeholders. The EC was investing in domestic and alternative sources of energy through a regional project. The total cost of
the strategy and the master plan amounted to 29 million. The EC is providing 4 million for a pumping system with solar energy and an additional 3 million for a water treatment facility powered by solar energy.
...
f. Reactivation of the economy and social areas
27. In spite of the huge challenges, Guinea-Bissau is a country with great economic potential, especially in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. To attract investment, both local and international, however, the government will need to overcome a number of obstacles, notably in the area of economic governance, as well as improve legal and financial frameworks. The reactivation of the economy calls for an effective reform of the public sector, combined with measures to diversify and add value to local products. Such an effort necessarily involves dealing with the infrastructure bottlenecks, creating an enabling environment for business and providing capacity building for human resources. Sustained support from the international community to match governmental efforts will enable the country to embark on a path of stability, recovery and development.
...
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AfricaFocus Bulletin is an independent electronic publication providing reposted commentary and analysis on African issues, with a particular focus on U.S. and international policies. AfricaFocus Bulletin is edited by William Minter.
AfricaFocus Bulletin can be reached at africafocus@igc.org. Please write to this address to subscribe or unsubscribe to the bulletin, or to suggest material for inclusion. For more information about reposted material, please contact directly the original source mentioned. For a full archive and other resources, see http://www.africafocus.org
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12311 Posts |
Posted - 29 Jul 2008 : 22:44:49
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| What a really great posting explaining the very complex problems that G-B faces I have visited the country a few times as a tourist,the people I met seemed charming,there were non working Russian generators in some of the compounds,old ones from communists days I suspect,The houses in G-B appeared to be well built.A cup of coffee or tea was only available during the evening.There were very many Russian men in the capital. As you have stated there appeared to be very little structure at all to the country when travelling by minibus every few Kms. the van would stop at a customs check point then move on a few more meters to be stopped at a Police checkpoint a few meters more then an Army Check point,on for about 4 km then the same thing again,however all this was done in a very courtious manner and provided everyone had their correct papers no problem get your stamp and away you go,most of the Authorities did not have uniforms.If you wanted to build a hotel on an island then you are welcome after all their thoughts were if it was not successful you would leave G-B and your hotel would still exist,the islands were very beauitiful and the country could be a paradise, but formal structure for managing the country appears to be limited.The whole place revolves around who you know.THere were some very good road building schemes going on, one of which was a very big bridge across a river that was almost half built a proper vehicle concrete bridge that was designed to replace a rather ramshackle ferry. Facinating place. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 30 Jul 2008 00:59:47 |
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toubab1020
12311 Posts |
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Momodou
Denmark
11717 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jul 2008 : 19:16:36
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So we will soon have the long awaited dam on the Gambia river?
Have you observed the following:
24. ... A project was being developed to exploit natural and hydro power through the construction of a dam on the Gambia River, with the support of the European Union and the African Development Bank. Two roundtables had been held to that effect and raised 65 percent of the funds needed for the project, which amounted to a total of 1 billion. The project could start in 2008-2009 and could be finished within four to five years.
Guinea-Bissau's expected contribution to this regional project would amount to 8 million. Once completed, the project would only provide the energy needed for the short and medium term. As demand would rise in the rest of the city and the country, however, additional sources of energy would have to be identified. |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12311 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jul 2008 : 21:30:33
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"People" in G-B have access to that sort of money I am sure but the question that has to be asked would those "people" let that money be spent on regional projects such as a dam on the river Gambia? I suspect not.The EU are unlikly to participate in the funding of a project where one or more of the partipants suffer from a ruling system that is to say in need of improvement and whose main visable export is cashau nuts.Therefore it appears very unlikely that such a project will get under way for many years.As we have talked about elswhere on bantaba a change of attitude is needed.
Over to you Momodou,no one else here |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 30 Jul 2008 21:31:29 |
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shaka
996 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jul 2008 : 21:35:43
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What happened to the much hype Futa Jallon electricity project endorsed by Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea and Senegal. Could this projectnot hamper any such future project?. Oh wishes!! Our leaders are real jokers.quote:
Originally posted by Momodou
So we will soon have the long awaited dam on the Gambia river?
Have you observed the following:
24. ... A project was being developed to exploit natural and hydro power through the construction of a dam on the Gambia River, with the support of the European Union and the African Development Bank. Two roundtables had been held to that effect and raised 65 percent of the funds needed for the project, which amounted to a total of 1 billion. The project could start in 2008-2009 and could be finished within four to five years.
Guinea-Bissau's expected contribution to this regional project would amount to 8 million. Once completed, the project would only provide the energy needed for the short and medium term. As demand would rise in the rest of the city and the country, however, additional sources of energy would have to be identified.
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toubab1020
12311 Posts |
Posted - 01 Aug 2008 : 01:00:45
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Anyone can have a good idea  |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 01 Aug 2008 01:01:21 |
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