Guinea-Bissau Opposition Halts Protests for Armed Forces Day
Two major opposition coalitions in Guinea-Bissau have announced the cancellation of planned nationwide protests, a move intended to prevent clashing with the country’s upcoming military celebrations.
The Inclusive Alliance Platform (PAI-Terra Ranka) and the Inclusive Patriotic Alliance (API) had scheduled demonstrations for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday to protest what they describe as “abuses of power and a lack of democracy” under the current administration. However, leaders from both groups confirmed during a joint press conference on Thursday that the streets will remain clear until the festivities conclude.
Honor for “Freedom Fighters”
The timing of the protests coincided with the 60th anniversary of the Armed Forces on Saturday, a high-profile event that will also serve as the official celebration of Guinea-Bissau’s 51st anniversary of independence. Foreign dignitaries are expected to attend the ceremonies in the capital, Bissau.
“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 Bissau-Guinean parliament. “Let the celebration take place on November 16.”
Baciro Dja, a former Prime Minister and leader of the Patriotic Front for National Salvation (Frepasna), echoed this sentiment. “We decided to wait out of respect for the freedom fighters of the homeland,” Dja stated, though he pointedly reminded the public that the military remains “subordinate to politicians.”
Criticism of Government Spending
While the opposition is pausing its protests, the rhetoric remains sharp. Simões Pereira accused the current regime of attempting to “instrumentalize” the military against its political rivals. He also leveled harsh criticism at the government’s spending priorities during a period of national hardship.
“It is not possible that while people are dying in our hospitals for lack of IV fluids, a party is being held where millions are spent,” Pereira remarked. He claimed the funds for the “disproportionate celebrations” were requested from abroad in the name of Amílcar Cabral, the nation’s founding father.
A Warning for the Future
The pause in demonstrations appears to be temporary. Pereira warned that starting November 17, the day after the official ceremonies, both coalitions will resume their political agendas, which may include new calls for mass protests.
Before the press conference, the coalitions signed open letters to General Biague Na Ntan, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, and Omar Toure, president of the ECOWAS Commission. Regarding the international community, Pereira signaled that while the opposition welcomes outside mediation, they are prepared to act alone. “If the international community comes, they will be welcome,” he said. “If they prefer not to come, we will be here to assume our responsibilities and take our destiny into our own hands.”
Image: Pexels – Sebastián Contreras
