Guinea-Bissau Opposition Halts Protests for Military Jubilee
Two of Guinea-Bissau’s major opposition coalitions have called off a wave of scheduled street protests to avoid a direct confrontation with the military during the country’s upcoming independence celebrations and Armed Forces Day.
The Inclusive Alliance Platform (PAI-Terra Ranka) and the Inclusive Patriotic Alliance (API) had originally planned to launch nationwide demonstrations on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The protests were intended to challenge what opposition leaders describe as an “abuse of power” and a “lack of democracy” under the current administration.
The decision to postpone was announced by Domingos Simões Pereira, leader of PAI-Terra Ranka and the elected president of the parliament, alongside Baciro Dja, representing the API coalition. The leaders explained that while they remain committed to their cause, they chose to prioritize national stability during the 60th anniversary of the Armed Forces and the 51st anniversary of national independence on November 16.
Respecting the Military, Challenging the State
“As political leaders, we have an obligation not just to demonstrate bravery, but above all, to lead the people to a safe harbor,” Pereira told reporters. “Let the celebration take place.”
Baciro Dja, a former Defense Minister and Prime Minister, echoed this sentiment, stating that the decision was made out of respect for the “freedom fighters of the fatherland.” However, he pointedly reminded the public that the Armed Forces are legally “subordinate to politicians.”
The move appears to be a strategic de-escalation. Pereira suggested that certain factions within the government were attempting to “instrumentalize” the military against political dissidents. He emphasized that the Armed Forces are not the enemy of the opposition, but warned that the coalitions would resume their political agenda as soon as the festivities conclude on November 17.
A Critique of Priorities
While the protests are on hold, Simões Pereira did not hold back in his criticism of the government’s spending. He condemned the “disproportionate” cost of the military parade and independence galas, which are being funded by foreign loans.
“It is not possible that while people are dying in our hospitals for lack of saline solution, we are throwing a party spending millions in the name of Amílcar Cabral,” Pereira remarked, referencing the revered founder of the nation.
A Message to the Global Stage
As foreign dignitaries arrive in Bissau for the ceremonies, the opposition coalitions have taken their grievances to the international level. They signed open letters addressed to General Biague Na Ntan, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, and Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission.
The message to the international community was clear: while the opposition is willing to step back for a national holiday, their resolve remains. “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 destiny into our own hands.”
Image: Pexels – Yogendra Singh
