The ECOWAS Chair regrets that the dismissal climaxed weeks of political tension between President Jose Mario Vaz and Prime Minister Domingos Simoes Pereira despite several attempts by ECOWAS to resolve the crisis, and the persistent calls by the international community for Guinea Bissau political stakeholders to seek dialogue and consensus in resolving the crisis within the established constitutional parameters.

ECOWAS recalls the commitment made by Guinea Bissau political stakeholders in March 2015 during the donor conference, especially the commitment by the President and Prime Minister to work in synergy with a shared vision for political and economic development, and to promote human security of Guinea Bissau citizens. The Chairman notes this crisis could affect the commitment of Donor partners.

ECOWAS reiterates that the consolidation of peace and stability in Guinea Bissau can only result from a consensual, inclusive and nationally-owned process and respect for constitutional order that places priority on the interest and wellbeing of Guinea Bissau people fostered by national reconciliation, democracy, good governance and development.

In this regard, the Chairman of ECOWAS applauds the peaceful atmosphere observed so far in the country, calls on political leaders to continue exploring peaceful ways to resolve the present impasse and urges the defence and security forces to keep to their commitment of staying out of politics.

The Chairman is confident and believes that a peaceful and sustainable resolution of the crisis is possible and can be achieved through a concerted dialogue involving all Guinea Bissau political stakeholders, working in close collaboration with regional, continental and international partners.

Done in Abuja, this 15^th Day of August 2015

President Macky Sall, Chairman of ECOWAS