Guinea-Bissau Opposition Pauses Protests for Military Holiday
Opposition forces in Guinea-Bissau have announced a strategic retreat, canceling a series of planned nationwide street protests to avoid a direct confrontation with the military during upcoming national holidays.
The PAI-Terra Ranka and API coalitions had originally scheduled demonstrations for Friday and Saturday to protest what they describe as an “abuse of power and lack of democracy” under the current administration. However, leaders announced during a joint press conference on Thursday that they would pause their mobilization to respect Armed Forces Day.
A Gesture of Respect or Strategic Caution?
Saturday marks the 60th anniversary of the creation of the Guinean Armed Forces, a milestone that will be celebrated alongside the 51st anniversary of the country’s independence. Foreign dignitaries are expected to attend the official ceremonies in Bissau.
“As political leaders, we don’t only have the obligation to show bravery; above all, we have the obligation to lead the people to a safe harbor,” said Domingos Simões Pereira, leader of the PAIGC-led PAI-Terra Ranka coalition and the elected president of the Bissau-Guinean parliament.
Baciro Dja, representing the Inclusive Patriotic Alliance (API) and a former Defense Minister, echoed these sentiments, stating that the coalitions “weighed heavily” on the decision. While Dja emphasized that the military must remain subordinate to political authority, he noted the delay was out of respect for the “freedom fighters of the fatherland.”
Allegations of Misused Funds
Despite the temporary ceasefire in street activity, opposition leaders remained sharp in their criticism of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló’s government. Simões Pereira accused the administration of “instrumentalizing” the military against political rivals and criticized the high cost of the scheduled festivities.
“It is not possible that while people are dying in our hospitals for lack of IV fluids, a celebration is held where millions are spent,” Pereira said, noting that the funds being used were solicited from international partners in the name of national founder Amílcar Cabral.
A Warning for the Future
The pause in demonstrations appears to be short-lived. Leaders warned that their political agenda would resume immediately after the holiday weekend. “From November 17, the two coalitions will resume their agendas,” Pereira stated, confirming that new calls for street protests are likely.
In a move to document their grievances, 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, Pereira signaled that while Guinea-Bissau welcomes external mediation, the opposition is prepared to act alone. “If they prefer not to come, we will also be here to take our responsibilities and our destiny into our own hands,” he asserted.
Image: Pexels – Sebastián Contreras
