AFRICA/GUINEA BISSAU - Most people in Guinea want the elections, but supporters of former President Kumba Yala need help to overcome fear and diffidence

Wednesday, 18 May 2005

Bissau (Fides Service) - Calm has returned to Bissau, capital of Guinea Bissau where yesterday, 17 May there were clashes between the police and participants in a demonstration in favour of former President Kumba Yala (see Fides 17 May 2005). At 150 people fought with the police forces which used tear gas and hydrants to disperse the demonstrators.
“People are going to work as usual and there has been no more trouble” local sources in Bissau told Fides. “Most people think that despite former President Kumba Yala’s request for elections to be postponed, the vote will be held on 19 June. Most of the political parties and the people want the election to go ahead” the sources told Fides.
“However the government and parties not connected with the former president must realise that Kumba Yala has a considerable following, not in the towns but in many rural villages” the sources said. “This is because of ethnic and family ties. The clan and ethnic group of Kumba Yala feel they are represented only by the former President. Hence the need to help these people overcome their fear and diffidence and feel represented by other political parties. Guinea Bissau needs a President who can unite the country and be its worthy representative abroad” our sources concluded.
Kumba Yala was ousted with a bloodless coup in September 2003. After a period of house arrest he reappeared on Guinea Bissau’s political scene and the constitutional court passed a sentence allowing the former head of state to stand in the coming presidential elections scheduled for 19 June. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 18/5/2005 righe 26 parole 314)


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