Article: News in Bissau: Ministerial liberation attempt and tensions in the capital
On the night of Thursday November 30 to Friday December 1, the capital of Bissau was the scene of violent tensions. Heavy gunfire rang out near a barracks where elements of the national guard had taken refuge. It all started when the latter tried to free a minister and a secretary of state who were in police custody in the premises of the judicial police.
Special forces quickly responded by attempting to assault, but ultimately opted for negotiations to reach a peaceful settlement. Calm has returned, but several questions arise regarding the current situation and the fate of the ministers concerned.
This attempted release comes in a context where the President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, is currently in Dubai to participate in COP28. We therefore do not know the current whereabouts of the Minister of Economy and Finance, Souleiman Seidi, and the Secretary of State for the Public Treasury, Antonio Monteiro, who are the subject of a controversy concerning a withdrawal of ten million dollars from state coffers.
Questioned on this matter by the deputies, the Minister of Finance affirmed that this withdrawal was legal and that it aimed to support the country’s private sector. However, these recent events raise many questions about the transparency and good management of public finances in Guinea-Bissau.
It is essential to carefully monitor developments in the situation in the coming days. Political tensions and power struggles can have serious consequences for the stability of the country and the confidence of foreign investors. The Guinea-Bissau authorities must act quickly and transparently to restore trust and guarantee the security of all.
In this context, it is essential that the international community support Guinea-Bissau in its democratic process and help the country overcome current political tensions. A climate of stability and confidence is necessary to promote the economic and social development of the country, and guarantee a better future for all Bissau-Guineans.
Stay tuned for the latest news on this case and don’t forget to express your opinions in the comments below. The voice of citizens is essential to guarantee fair and transparent governance.