Guinea-Bissau Opposition Pauses Protests for Independence Day
Two major opposition coalitions in Guinea-Bissau have suspended a series of planned nationwide protests out of respect for the country’s upcoming Armed Forces Day. The decision, announced Thursday during a joint press conference, temporarily cools political tensions as the nation prepares for significant national celebrations.
A Gesture of Respect
The Inclusive Alliance Platform (PAI-Terra Ranka) and the Inclusive Patriotic Alliance (API) had originally called for citizens to take to the streets from Thursday through Saturday. The demonstrations were intended to protest what opposition leaders describe as an “abuse of power and lack of democracy” under the current administration.
However, Saturday, November 16, marks the 60th anniversary of the creation of the Armed Forces and the official 51st anniversary of Guinea-Bissau’s independence. High-profile international guests are expected to attend the ceremonies in 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 happen on November 16.”
Warnings for the Future
While the protests are on hold, opposition leaders made it clear that the truce is temporary. Baciro Djá, leader of the Patriotic Front for National Salvation (Frepasna) and a representative for API, emphasized that the decision to wait was made “out of respect for the freedom fighters of the fatherland,” while reminding the public that the military remains subordinate to civilian political authority.
Simões Pereira raised concerns about the potential “instrumentalization” of the military against political dissidents. He warned that the coalitions would resume their political agenda—including potential new protest calls—starting November 17.
Criticism of Government Spending
The pause in demonstrations did not stop opposition leaders from criticizing the government’s priorities. Simões Pereira condemned the high costs of the state festivities while the country’s healthcare system struggles.
“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,” Pereira remarked. He noted that the funds for the event were requested from foreign donors in the name of Amílcar Cabral, the nation’s founder.
Appeals to the International Community
Leading up to the announcement, the coalitions signed two open letters. One was addressed to General Biague Na Ntan, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, and the other to Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission.
Simões Pereira stated that the letter to ECOWAS serves as a witness to the international community regarding the state of democracy in Guinea-Bissau. “If the international community comes [to help], they will be welcome,” he asserted. “But if they prefer not to come, we will be here to take our responsibilities and our destiny into our own hands.”
Image: Pexels – Moisés Fonseca
