Guinea-Bissau Opposition Halts Protests for Military Holiday
Two major opposition coalitions in Guinea-Bissau have announced the postponement of nationwide street protests to avoid a direct confrontation with festivities surrounding the country’s Armed Forces Day.
The Inclusive Alliance Platform (PAI-Terra Ranka) and the Inclusive Patriotic Alliance (API) had originally scheduled demonstrations for Friday and Saturday. The protests were intended to voice public frustration over what opposition leaders describe as a mounting “abuse of power” and a “lack of democracy” under the current administration.
Respecting the “Freedom Fighters”
The decision to stand down was announced during a joint press conference on Thursday. Domingos Simões Pereira, leader of PAI-Terra Ranka and the elected president of the Guinean parliament, stated that the pause was a strategic and respectful move. “As political leaders, we have an obligation to lead the people to a safe harbor,” Pereira said. “Let the celebration take place on November 16.”
Saturday marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Armed Forces and will coincide with official celebrations for Guinea-Bissau’s 51st year of independence. High-profile foreign guests are expected to attend the ceremonies in the capital, Bissau.
Baciro Dja, a former Prime Minister and leader within the API coalition, emphasized that the decision came after “deep pondering.” Dja, who also served as Defense Minister, noted that while the military must remain subordinate to political authority, the opposition chose to wait “out of respect for the freedom fighters of the fatherland.”
A Warning to the Regime
Despite the temporary truce, opposition leaders were quick to signal that their grievances remain unresolved. Pereira accused certain factions within the government of attempting to “instrumentalize the Armed Forces” against political rivals. He clarified that the military should not be seen as adversaries to politicians, but warned that the coalitions would resume their protest agenda as early as November 17.
The opposition also leveled sharp criticism at the government’s spending priorities. Pereira highlighted a stark contrast between lavish state celebrations and the collapse of public services. “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,” he remarked.
Appeals to ECOWAS and Military Leadership
Prior to the announcement, the coalitions signed two open letters: one addressed to General Biague Na Ntan, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, and another to Omar Touré, President of the ECOWAS Commission.
Addressing the letter to the West African regional bloc, Pereira suggested that while international intervention is welcome, the opposition is prepared to act independently if necessary. “If the international community comes, they will be welcome,” Pereira said. “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 – Sebastián Contreras
