Guinea-Bissau Opposition Pauses Protests for Military Day
Two major opposition coalitions in Guinea-Bissau have announced the cancellation of planned nationwide street protests that were set to begin this week. Leaders of the PAI-Terra Ranka and the Inclusive Patriotic Alliance (API) stated they decided to step back to avoid disrupting official celebrations marking Armed Forces Day and the 51st anniversary of the country’s independence.
A Tactical Retreat for National Unity
The demonstrations, originally scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, were organized to protest what opposition leaders describe as an “abuse of power and a lack of democracy” under the current administration. However, with Guinea-Bissau preparing for the 60th anniversary of its military’s creation on November 16, opposition figures opted for a temporary truce.
“As political leaders, we don’t just have an obligation to demonstrate bravery; above all, we have an obligation to lead the people to a safe harbor,” said Domingos Simões Pereira, leader of PAI-Terra Ranka and the elected president of the Guinean parliament. “Let the celebration take place on November 16.”
Baciro Dja, representing the API and a former Minister of Defense, echoed this sentiment, noting that the coalitions “pondered deeply” before deciding to wait out of respect for the country’s “freedom fighters.” He was quick to add, however, that while the military deserves respect, the Armed Forces must remain “subordinate to politicians.”
Warnings of “Instrumentalization”
Despite the cancellation, the tone remains defiant. Simões Pereira, who also leads the PAIGC party, accused unnamed actors of attempting to “instrumentalize the Armed Forces” against political opponents of the regime. He clarified that while the opposition does not view the military as an adversary, they will not remain silent for long.
The opposition also took aim at the government’s spending priorities during a period of economic hardship. “It is not possible that while people are dying in our hospitals for lack of saline, a party is being held where millions are spent,” Pereira remarked, criticizing the “disproportionate” costs of the official festivities.
Pressure on the Horizon
The pause in civil unrest appears to be momentary. The coalitions warned that their regular political agendas—which may include new calls for mass demonstrations—will resume as early as November 17, immediately following the holiday.
In a final move to signal their resolve, the coalitions signed open letters to the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Biague Na Ntan, and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray. Addressing the international community, Simões Pereira stated that while foreign support is welcome, the people of Guinea-Bissau are ready to “take our destiny into our own hands.”
Image: Pexels – Yogendra Singh
