Guinea-Bissau Opposition Halts Protests for Independence Day
Two of Guinea-Bissau’s leading opposition coalitions have postponed nationwide street protests originally scheduled for this week, citing a desire to respect the upcoming celebrations for Armed Forces Day and the anniversary of national independence.
The decision was announced Thursday during a joint press conference held by Domingos Simões Pereira, leader of the Inclusive Alliance Platform (PAI-Terra Ranka), and Baciro Dja, representing the Inclusive Patriotic Alliance (API). The demonstrations, which were slated to begin Friday and continue through Saturday, were intended to protest what the opposition describes as a mounting “abuse of power and lack of democracy” under the current government.
Respecting the “Freedom Fighters”
Saturday marks the 60th anniversary of the creation of the Armed Forces and the official celebration of Guinea-Bissau’s 51st year of independence. Global dignitaries are expected to attend the ceremonies in Bissau.
“As political leaders, we don’t just have an obligation to show bravery; above all, we have an obligation to lead the people to a safe harbor,” said Simões Pereira, who also serves as the elected president of the Bissau-Guinean parliament. “Let the celebration take place on November 16.”
Baciro Dja, a former Prime Minister and Defense Minister, emphasized that the decision came after “heavy pondering.” He noted that while the military must remain subordinate to political authority, the coalitions chose to stand down “out of respect for the freedom fighters of the fatherland.”
A Warning to the Regime
Despite the temporary truce, opposition leaders remained sharp in their criticism of the government. Simões Pereira warned that some actors are actively trying to “instrumentalize the Armed Forces” against political opponents. He clarified that the military are not the “adversaries” of the opposition, but cautioned that the push for democracy would resume immediately after the holiday.
“From November 17, the two coalitions will resume their agendas,” Pereira stated, signaling that street protests remain a viable option in the coming weeks.
Critique of State Spending
The opposition also took aim at the cost of the official festivities. Simões Pereira lambasted the government for spending millions on the celebrations while the country’s healthcare system remains in crisis.
“It is not possible that while people are dying in our hospitals for lack of serum, a party is being held where millions are spent,” he said. He further alleged that the funds for the event were requested from foreign donors in the name of Amílcar Cabral, the nation’s founding father, only to be used for “disproportionate parties.”
Appeals to ECOWAS and Military Leadership
Prior to the announcement, the coalitions sent open letters to the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Gen. Biague Na Ntan, and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray.
While the letter to ECOWAS serves as a formal testimony to the international community regarding the nation’s political climate, Simões Pereira struck a defiant note regarding foreign intervention. “If the international community comes, they will be welcome,” he 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
