Guinea-Bissau Opposition Pauses Protests for National Holidays
Two major opposition coalitions in Guinea-Bissau have announced the postponement of nationwide protests scheduled for this week, citing respect for the upcoming Armed Forces Day and national independence celebrations.
The Inclusive Alliance Platform (PAI-Terra Ranka) and the Inclusive Patriotic Alliance (API) had originally planned to flood the streets starting Friday to protest what they describe as an “abuse of power” and a “lack of democracy” under the current administration. However, leaders announced during a joint press conference on Thursday that the demonstrations would be paused to avoid clashing with the military’s 60th-anniversary festivities on November 16.
A Gesture of Respect Amid Tensions
“As political leaders, we have an obligation not only to show bravery but, above all, to lead the people to a safe harbor,” said Domingos Simões Pereira, leader of PAI-Terra Ranka and the elected president of the Guinea-Bissau parliament. “Let the celebration take place on November 16.”
Saturday’s ceremony in Bissau marks both Armed Forces Day and the 51st anniversary of the country’s independence. The event is expected to host several foreign dignitaries. Former Prime Minister Baciro Dja, representing the API coalition, emphasized that the decision to wait was a tribute to the “freedom fighters of the homeland,” though he reminded the public that the Armed Forces remain “subordinate to politicians.”
Concerns of Political Manipulation
While the opposition opted for a temporary truce, the rhetoric remained sharp. Simões Pereira accused certain figures of attempting to “instrumentalize” the military against political dissidents. He clarified that the opposition does not view the Armed Forces as adversaries but warned that the coalitions would resume their political agenda—including potential new protest calls—starting November 17.
The opposition also took aim at the government’s spending priorities. Simões Pereira criticized the “disproportionate” cost of the festivities at a time when the nation’s healthcare system is in crisis.
“It is not possible that while people are dying in our hospitals for lack of saline solution, a party is being held where millions are spent,” Simões Pereira stated, noting that funds for the event were requested from abroad in the name of national founder Amílcar Cabral.
Messages to the International Community
Before concluding the press conference, the coalitions signed two open letters. One was addressed to General Biaguê Na Ntan, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, and the other to Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission.
Regarding the letter to ECOWAS, Simões Pereira sent a clear message to the international community: “If the international community comes, they will be welcome, but if they prefer not to come, we will also be here to take our responsibilities and our destiny into our own hands.”
Image: Pexels – Yogendra Singh
