Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bissau (Agenzia Fides) – Presidential elections will be held on June 28, 120 days after the death of President Joao Bernardo Vieira, who was assassinated on March 2 by a group of soldiers trying to take revenge following the death (just hours beforehand) of the Chief of Staff General Batista Tagmé Na Waié (see Fides 3/3/2009).
According to the Constitution, in the case of disappearance or resignation of the President, elections are to be held in 60 days, however local authorities affirm that more time is needed to overcome the organizational and economic difficulties.
In the meantime, the human rights organizations and various opposition parties are showing great concern for violence that has broken out recently and presents a threat to the future of local democracy.
On April 1, Jose Fadul, former Prime Minister and acting President of the Islamic Courts, was attacked inside his home by men in uniform. He was taken to the hospital, where doctors found various bruises on his head and torso. The attack was denounced by Amnesty International, whose Director in Africa observed that “Guinea Bissau's soldiers are taking extreme measures against any form of opposition or criticism, establishing a climate of fear for anyone who freely says anything regarding military activity.”
Fadul, who is also the leader of an opposition party which is not represented in Parliament, declared that Prime Minister Carlos Gomes, Jr. uses the army to assure his power in preparation for upcoming elections and called for an investigation on military corruption. Other members of the opposition have also expressed similar concerns.
On March 23, Pedro Infanda, the lawyer of Admiral Bubo Na Tchuto (former Chief of Staff accused of a coups attempt), who was taking refuge in Gambia, was arrested. Several days before his arrest, Infanda has declared the appointment of the new Chief of Staff “unconstitutional.” After 4 days in detention, Infanda was hospitalized as a result of the torturing he had suffered.
According to several international observers, these events give reason to fear that a kind of masked military regime is being established in the country. Following President Vieira's assassination by soldiers, amidst unclear circumstances, it was feared that the military would take over power. However, the democratic process was respected. The President of Parliament took up the role of Head of State ad interim, until the next elections.
Over 10 years ago, the army intervened in political life, supporting the then Chief of Staff Ansumane Mane, who was accused by President Vieira of arms trafficking with the Senegalese rebels of Casamance. This event led to a civil war in which Senegalese troops intervened on Vieira's behalf.
10 years later, while the question remains regarding eventual Guinean support in Casamance, Colombian drug-traffickers are among the major factors of instability in the country and in the region. Guinea Bissau is becoming a major hub for cocaine trafficking between Latin America and Europe. Various observers see the ominous shadow of drug trafficking in the double homicide of March 2 and the growing influence of the military in public life. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 3/4/2009)
