Guinea-Bissau Condemns Vandalism at Cape Verde Embassy
The Government of Guinea-Bissau has officially condemned acts of vandalism at its ambassador’s residence in Cape Verde, following a wave of unrest sparked by reports of xenophobic violence. In a statement released on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed “total firmness” in its disapproval of the attack on the diplomatic property.
Conflicting Reports on Casualties
The vandalism follows several days of rising tension within the Guinean migrant community in Cape Verde. Local media outlets recently broadcast accounts from citizens alleging that two community members had been killed in targeted assaults. These reports triggered calls for immediate intervention from Guinea-Bissau’s ambassador, Ibraima Sano, and officials in Bissau.
However, the Guinean government has moved to debunk the rumors of fatalities. “Information gathered so far confirms that only one Guinean citizen is currently hospitalized, with no record of any fatalities,” the diplomatic statement clarified, urging the public to remain skeptical of unverified reports circulating online.
Government Pledges Protection
Despite the disagreement over the number of casualties, the Guinean executive emphasized that the safety of its citizens abroad remains a top priority. The government stated it “vehemently repudiates” any form of violence and is closely monitoring the situation across the archipelago.
A Plea for Calm Amid Social Media Panic
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a stern warning regarding the “risks associated with the spread of unverified content” on social media, which officials believe exacerbated the recent unrest. Authorities are calling for calm as they work with Cape Verdean officials to ensure the protection and assistance of the Guinean community.
Note: Reporting on Guinea-Bissau continues to be managed remotely following the government’s 2025 suspension of several international media delegations.
Image: Pexels – Leonid Altman
