Guinea-Bissau Opposition Pauses Protests for National Day
Two of Guinea-Bissau’s major opposition coalitions have moved to cancel a series of nationwide protests scheduled for Friday and Saturday, citing a desire to avoid disruption during the country’s high-profile Armed Forces Day celebrations.
The decision was announced Thursday during a joint press conference held by Domingos Simões Pereira, leader of the PAI-Terra Ranka coalition and elected president of the Guinean parliament, and Baciro Dja, representing the Inclusive Patriotic Alliance (API).
Avoiding Conflict During National Festivities
The protests were originally timed to challenge what opposition leaders describe as an “abuse of power and a lack of democracy” under the current administration. However, with Guinea-Bissau set to mark the 60th anniversary of its Armed Forces and the 51st anniversary of its independence this Saturday, organizers opted to pause.
“As political leaders, we have an obligation not only to show bravery but, above all, an obligation to lead the people to a safe harbor,” Simões Pereira told reporters. “Let the festivities take place on November 16.”
Baciro Dja, a former Prime Minister and Defense Minister, emphasized that the decision was a mark of respect for the nation\’s history. “We decided to wait out of respect for the freedom fighters of the homeland,” Dja said, though he pointedly reminded the public that the military remains “subordinate to politicians.”
Resuming the Fight After the Parade
While the streets may remain quiet this weekend, the opposition made it clear that the truce is temporary. Simões Pereira warned that the coalitions would resume their political agenda as early as November 17, which could include renewed calls for mass demonstrations.
The PAIGC leader also took the opportunity to criticize the government’s spending on the celebrations, calling the festivities “disproportionate” given the country’s economic struggles. “It is not possible that while people are dying in our hospitals for lack of saline solution, a party is being held where millions are spent,” he remarked.
A Warning to the International Community
In addition to the cancellation, the coalitions signed two open letters: one to General Biaguê Na Ntan, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, and another to Omar Touray, the president of the ECOWAS Commission.
The letter to ECOWAS serves as a formal notice to the international community regarding the political climate in Guinea-Bissau. Simões Pereira signaled that while international mediation is welcome, the opposition is prepared to act independently. “If the international community comes, it will be welcome,” he said. “But if it prefers not to come, we will be here to take our responsibilities and our destiny into our own hands.”
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