Guinea-Bissau Opposition Suspends Protests for Armed Forces Day
Two major opposition coalitions in Guinea-Bissau have suspended a series of planned nationwide protests to avoid a confrontation during the upcoming Armed Forces Day celebrations.
The Inclusive Alliance Platform (PAI-Terra Ranka) and the Inclusive Patriotic Alliance (API) had mass demonstrations scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The protests were intended to challenge what opposition leaders describe as an “abuse of power and lack of democracy” under the current administration.
Respecting the “Freedom Fighters”
In a joint press conference held Thursday, PAI-Terra Ranka leader Domingos Simões Pereira and API representative Baciro Dja announced that the street actions would be paused out of respect for the nation’s history. Saturday marks the 60th anniversary of the Armed Forces and the official celebration of the 51st anniversary of Guinea-Bissau’s independence.
“As political leaders, we have an obligation to lead the people to a safe harbor,” said Simões Pereira, who also serves as the elected president of the Guinean parliament. “Let the celebration happen on November 16.”
Baciro Dja, a former Prime Minister and Defense Minister, emphasized that the decision came after “deep pondering,” noting that while the military must remain subordinate to political authority, the coalitions chose to honor the “freedom fighters of the fatherland.”
Opposition Warns of Military “Instrumentalization”
Despite the temporary truce, tensions remains high. Simões Pereira, who leads the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), accused certain factions of attempting to “instrumentalize the Armed Forces” against political opponents. He clarified that the military should not be seen as an adversary to politicians but warned that current spending on the festivities is tone-deaf to the country’s 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,” Simões Pereira remarked. He criticized the government for seeking foreign funds for “disproportionate parties” in the name of national founder Amílcar Cabral while basic infrastructure fails.
A Message to the International Community
Before the announcement, the coalitions signed open letters to the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Biaguê Na Ntan, and the president of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray. The letter to ECOWAS serves as a formal notice to the international community regarding the political climate in the country.
“If the international community comes, they will be welcome,” Simões Pereira said. “But if they prefer not to come, we will be here to take our responsibilities and our destiny into our own hands.”
The opposition leaders confirmed that their political agenda will resume on November 17, at which point new calls for street demonstrations are expected.
Image: Pexels – Moisés Fonseca
