From: Office of Terje Rod-Larsen < Subject: IPI Regional Insights - May 2012 Date: Thu, 10 May 2012 22:48:41 +0000 INTERNATIONAL PEACE INSTITUTE IPI Regional Insights May 2012 The International Peace Institute's (IPI) Regional Insights covers select regional and thematic developments based on information from a variety of sources. It draws on the research of IPI experts and is provided exclusively to major donors and members. Each monthly issue covers challenges and opportunities related to international peace, security and development. Africa Guinea Bissau: The April 12 military coup in Guinea Bissau is the latest in a series of political and military crises which have plagued this country since its independence in 1974. Guinea Bissau is described as the country where no democratically-elected president has ever completed a term in office. The coup was swiftly and strongly condemned by the international community. The World Bank and African Development Bank suspended millions of dollars of development assistance. The Economic Community of Western African States authorized the deployment of a standby force to monitor the transition back to civilian rule, imposed diplomatic, economic and financial sanctions, and is leading a mediation process to restore constitutional rule. Guinea Bissau's history of political instability is exacerbated by it being one of the poorest countries in the world and a geographical challenge to govern, a mainland with 90 islands, making it an easy prey for drug cartels. A stronger commitment by local, regional, and international stakeholders is needed to fight international organized crime and narcotics trafficking, as well as to put an end to chronic impunity and instability. Sierra Leone/Liberia: The April 27 conviction of former Liberian President Charles Taylor for his direct role in crimes against humanity and war crimes committed by the Revolutionary United Front during Sierra Leone's decade-long civil war was