United Nations Radio

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the killing of a candidate for the forthcoming presidential elections as well as a member of parliament and others in Guinea-Bissau.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, the Secretary-General says he is dismayed by the news of the assassinations on of Baciro Dabo, the candidate and of a Member of Parliament and former Minister of Defense, Helder Proenca, along with others. The men were killed in separate incidents.

The Secretary-General says he is concerned about the emerging pattern of killings of high profile personalities in Guinea-Bissau.

He notes that the killings come soon after the assassinations of President João Bernardo Vieira and General Tagme Na Waie.

Mr. Ban says these criminal acts are a tragic setback for efforts to restore the rule of law and democratic processes in Guinea Bissau, but they should not be allowed to deter the forthcoming presidential elections.

UN spokesman Farhan Haq has more.

"These developments underscore once again the importance and urgency of conducting a thorough, credible and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assassinations in Guinea Bissau. The United Nations will be consulting with national authorities and the International Contact Group on Guinea Bissau, to explore what more needs to be done to end impunity and restore respect for the rule of law in the country."

The Secretary-General called on the national authorities, including the country's military, to ensure that the human rights of all citizens are upheld and protected.

Dianne Penn, United Nations.

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