Guinea-Bissau Opposition Pauses Protests for National Day
In a strategic move to de-escalate political tensions during national celebrations, Guinea-Bissau’s primary opposition coalitions have called off a wave of street protests originally scheduled to begin this week. The groups cited a desire to avoid interference with the country’s Armed Forces Day and independence festivities.
A Gesture of Respect for National Sovereignty
The announcement came Thursday during a joint press conference held by Domingos Simões Pereira, leader of the Inclusive Alliance Platform (PAI-Terra Ranka) and president of the national parliament, alongside Baciro Dja of the Inclusive Patriotic Alliance (API).
The protests, which were set for Friday and Saturday, were intended to challenge what opposition leaders describe as a “lack of democracy” and “abuse of power” under the current administration. However, with Saturday marking the 60th anniversary of the Armed Forces and the 51st anniversary of Guinea-Bissau’s independence, leadership decided the timing was inappropriate.
“As political leaders, we have an obligation not only to show bravery, but above all, to lead the people to a safe harbor,” Simões Pereira stated, emphasizing that the military celebrations on November 16 should proceed without distraction.
Internal Tensions and Spending Scepticism
Despite the temporary ceasefire, the political atmosphere remains charged. Baciro Dja, a former Prime Minister and Defense Minister, noted that while the coalitions chose to “wait out of respect for the freedom fighters of the fatherland,” the Armed Forces must remain “subordinate to politicians.”
Simões Pereira was more pointed in his criticism, alleging that certain factions are attempting to “instrumentalize” the military against the regime’s political opponents. He also took aim at the scale of the government’s planned festivities, questioning the ethics of high-spending events during a period of national austerity.
“It is not possible that while people are dying in our hospitals for lack of saline solution, a party is being held where millions of dollars are being spent,” Simões Pereira remarked, referring to funds allegedly requested from abroad in the name of national founder Amílcar Cabral.
The Road Ahead: Demonstrations Postponed, Not Cancelled
The opposition has signaled that this pause is only temporary. Both coalitions signed open letters to General Biague Na Ntan, the Chief of General Staff, and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, to document their grievances for the international community.
Simões Pereira warned that the coalitions will resume their political agendas immediately following the festivities. “Starting November 17, we will resume our plans,” he said, suggesting that further calls for mass demonstrations are likely unless there is a shift in the country’s democratic landscape.
While welcoming the presence of the international community, Pereira remained firm on the opposition’s resolve. “If they prefer not to come, we will be here to take our responsibilities and our destiny into our own hands.”
Image: Pexels – Moisés Fonseca
