The European Union took the first step Monday toward cutting off aid to the West African nation of Guinea-Bissau, due to concerns stemming from an army mutiny that took place earlier this year, dpa reported.
In a statement, the European Commission - the EU's executive arm - said that the April 1 rebellion led to illegal detentions and halted reforms in the police, army and judicial system.
The commission also complained about the appointment "to high- ranking positions" of the mutiny's leaders - a reference to President Malam Bacai Sanha's decision to promote General Antonio Indjai to the post of army chief. As a result, the EU executive recommended "opening consultations" with Guinea-Bissau on the basis of article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement, which allows the suspension of EU development aid in case of breaches of human rights, democracy or the rule of law.
To avoid that scenario, Guinea-Bissau was urged to bring "an end to illegal detention and impunity, strengthening civil authority, (accept) a possible international stabilization mission and restarting reforms in the security sector."
The EU executive warned that Guinea-Bissau stood to lose, either partially or totally, 120 million euros (157.5 million dollars) that have been pledged in development cooperation through 2013.
But even in the worst case scenario, EU humanitarian assistance and direct support of the population would continue to flow, the commission assured.
EU governments would have to approve the commission's proposal before the consultation process with Guinea-Bissau can begin.
EU takes first step towards cutting off aid to Guinea-Bissau
The European Union took the first step Monday toward cutting off aid to the West African nation of Guinea-Bissau, due to concerns stemming from an army mutiny that took place earlier this year.
