Bissau (Fides Service)-“There is apparent calm, but tension remains” said local Church sources in Bissau, capital of Guinea Bissau where the reported occupation of the Presidential Residence by former president Kumba Yala is still a mystery. The latter had denied the reported 25 May take- over, but both the media and the army say the Residence was occupied for some hours by Kumba Yala and his supporters.
“The incursion must have happened because it was confirmed by so many reliable eyewitnesses” the sources told Fides. “It is concerning because it proves that the former president as supporters in the army, at least among the lower ranks”.
Kumba Yala was overthrown with a bloodless coup in September 2003. After a period of house arrest he reappeared on the political scene of Guinea Bissau claiming to be the legitimate president. Although he called for the cancellation of the June 19 presidential election Kumba Yala presented his candidacy .
“When they heard the news of Kumba Yala’s incursion on the President’s Residence young protesters filled the streets calling for peace and against civil war” the sources said. “A group of them vandalised the offices of the party which supports Kumba Yala’s candidacy causing serious damage. Most people fear the country is splitting in two”.
“Kumba Yala has few supporters in town but in rural and forest areas he has many particularly among his own people the Balante. It is probable that soldiers who are distant relations relation to him allowed the incursion. The extended African family, also because of polygamy, is vast. People who come to power always favour members of their own clan or ethnic group. This is why Kumba Yala is back on the scene” a local observer told Fides.
“There is also concern since the return to Guinea Bissau of another President João Bernardo Viera who fled the country at the end of the civil war 1998-99” the sources said. “Viera came back from Guinea Conakry escorted by a swarm of foreign Guinea Conakry bodyguards. He too is standing for election. He is very rich and has 150 cars which he is now distributing among leading political leaders to win support. Behind him there is the hand of the foreign power which has dominated in this area for decades”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 27/5/2005 righe 37 parole 452)