UNSG Ban 3 Nov presented G-B periodical review to UNSC, insisted steps must be taken on SSR and impunity. Following Social Renewal Party’s Oct announcement of boycott of Jan National Peace and Reconciliation Conference, Republican Party for Independence and Development 26 Nov also announced intention to boycott. Govt 3 Nov said it was considering signing ICC Statute in attempt to open way for international investigation of recent criminal cases. Angolan FM Manuel Augusto 8 Nov said Angola’s military assistance mission in Guinea-Bissau (MISSANG/ GB) will stay for as long as needed; President Dos Santos 17 Nov admitted difficulties with ECOWAS regarding support for SSR in G-B. At late Nov meeting of Community of Portuguese language countries (CPLP) defence ministers in Cape Verde, G-B Defence Minister called for more financial support to SSR.

UNSG Ban 21 Oct requested UNSC extend mandate of UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) until Dec 2012. Army Chief of Staff Antonio Indjai 28 Sept responded to rumours of coup, said duty is not to serve interests of Balanta ethnic group but country as a whole. Military strongman Rear Adm Bubo na Tchuto 14 Oct reiterated commitment to abide by civilian authority. New state prosecutor 12 Oct relaunched investigation into 2009 murder of Chief of Staff Tagme na Wai, said no investigation for other controversial murders. Social Renovation Party 28 Oct withdrew from National Peace and Reconciliation Conference scheduled Dec, said ruling PAIGC attempting to cover up crimes.

Roberto Cacheu, PM Gomes’s main opponent within ruling African Party for Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), 8 Sept received 3 year suspension from party for claiming Gomes implicated in 2009 killing of several politicians. Senegal and G-B 17 Sept agreed to joint border patrols in response to banditry, Casamance separatism. President Sanha 23 Sept denied Navy chief of staff Bubo na Tchuto had reservations concerning security sector reform (SSR), reiterated call for donor support; CPLP and ECOWAS failed to reach agreement on implementation of SSR roadmap.

President Sanha 2 Aug dismissed attorney-general Amine Michel Saad, widely seen as attempt to placate critics of Saad’s handling of investigations into 2009 assassinations of President and Chief of Staff. However, opposition again took to streets 5 Aug demanding resignation of PM Carlos Gomes Junior. President Sanha expressed support for PM Gomes; hundreds of youths 12 Aug rallied in capital demanding peace.

Increasing tensions as opposition rallied in Bissau; disputed number of supporters, estimated from 1,000 to 15,000, 19 July demanded resignation of PM Carlos Gomes Jr; followed rally 14 July. Opposition accuse Gomes of hindering probe into 2009 assassinations of ex-president Joao Bernardo Vieira and others. President Sanha 26 July met with opposition, civil society representatives. EU 18 July announced resumption of development cooperation following commitments to tackle corruption, organised crime, but set conditions for resumption of full support; follows several pledges of assistance by multilateral donors in June, and country’s regaining of voting rights at AU summit early July.

Paris Club group of creditors 10 May agreed to cancel over $250mn owed by Guinea-Bissau. Attorney-General 18 May called for international assistance to tackle drug trafficking; call followed 15 May resignation of Lucinda Barbosa, head of judicial police, who claimed death threats, lack of govt support. 2 killed, 20 injured 9 May in inter-communal violence in Djaal, north-east of Bissau.

EU 30 Dec announced decision to open consultations with govt over governance concerns, suggested lack of progress in addressing key human rights, rule of law issues could lead to suspension of EU aid package. Move follows IMF, World Bank 16 Dec announcement of $1.2bn debt relief package, aimed at sending positive signal to donors, potential investors.

Following 29 Sept meeting with PM Gomes, EU Commission President Barroso announced govt acceptance of regional stabilisation force including ECOWAS and Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries, said EU would resume support to defence and security sector, suspended since May 2010. President Sanha 13 Oct reinstated Rear Admiral José Americo Bubo Na Tchuto as head of navy, accused 2008 of plotting failed coup; U.S. expressed concern, citing Na Tchuto’s alleged role in international drug trafficking. President Sanha 23 Oct taken ill and flown to Senegal; govt 31 Oct stated president “going well”, expected to return early Nov. African Party for Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde (PAIGC) 16 Oct publicly accused PM Gomes of involvement in June 2009 killing of 2 PAIGC members.

Following Aug withdrawal of EU support for security sector reform, govt early month requested Angolan assistance to reform military, prevent coup attempts and tackle drug trafficking. ECOWAS heads of state summit in Abuja 17 Sept on Guinea-Bissau political, security crisis called on EU, U.S. to resume support to defence and security sector.

Continued strained relations between govt and international partners. EU 4 Aug stated lack of respect for rule of law has crippled work of EU-SSR mission, announced withdrawal in Oct; could resume under certain conditions, including due process for 1 Apr mutiny suspects. Nigerian President Jonathan 18 Aug announced ECOWAS special meeting 19 Sept to address political situation. President Sanha 19 Aug presided over parliamentary session on national dialogue to include army, political parties, unions and civil society organisations; expected to pave way for Jan 2011 national reconciliation conference.