AFRICA/GUINEA BISSAU Appointment of Catholic woman as minister for the family and to overcome poverty meets with approval

Bissau (Fides Service)- “Catholics in Guinea are very pleased that a Catholic woman Eugenia Saldania has been appointed Minister for the Family and to overcome Poverty” Father Davide Sciocco of Radio Radio Sol Mansi di Mansoa, told Fides with regard to the formation of a new government in Guinea Bissau. The task of the new minister is to plan policies to support families, especially the poorest.
Yesterday 12 May, the new government formed by PAIGC (African Party for Guinean Independence), which won March 28 elections this year (see Fides 21 April 2004) was installed. “The ministerial posts have been given to PAIGC leaders. This Party has however the external support of the Party for Social Renewal the second largest party, and two minor groups” Father Sciocco told Fides.
The new prime minister is Carlos Gomez Junior, leader of PAIGC and the new executive has 23 ministers. Among the new government’s priorities indicated by the Premier financial austerity and elimination of corruption.
Guinea Bissau is just recovering from serious crisis following a coup on 14 September 2003 and the ousting of President Kumba Yalla accused of promoting policies that were leading the country to ruin.
On 28 September 2003 an interim government was installed with the task of preparing for parliamentary elections in March 2004. Next year there will be elections for a new President. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 13/5/2004 righe 24 parole 265)