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Items 1 - 50 of 81
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 May 2013
New York prosecutor 18 April unsealed charges against powerful armed forces Chief of Staff António Injai, sparking fears of yet more turmoil or deadlock in ongoing political transition. U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency 3 April arrested former navy chief Bubo na Tchuto and 4 others in waters off Cape Verde, having lured him in fake drug deal. Govt 19 April announced it will demand trials be held in G-B; army 20 April said Injai will turn himself over “if investigation proves his implication”. UN SRSG José Ramos-Horta 19 April called on authorities to remain calm.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Apr 2013
Govt, civil society 8-15 March held talks to promote dialogue with military. Transitional president Nhamadjo 11 March threatened to resign in absence of political progress. Preparations for PAIGC congress continued: former PM Aristides Gomes 4 March announced imminent return; José Mario Vaz and Domingos Simoes Pereira, former exec sec of CPLP, declared candidacy 7 and 14 March respectively. Court 13 March began hearing of Captain Pansau N’Tchama for Oct 2012 attempted coup; N’Tchama said order to stage coup reportedly given by former chief of staff Zamora Induta with support from Angola and Gambia. UN SRSG Ramos-Horta 3-4 March met EU president and parliament, called for renewed EU assistance,13 March met with Nhamadjo. Youths in Colibuia in south clashed with Chinese timber company early March sparking media outrage, parliamentary debate, accusations against senior govt figures involved in selling permits.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Mar 2013
Tense debate on revision of transition pact, including over creation of multi-party commission, which PAIGC-controlled Assembly considers violation of sovereignty. New UN SRSG Ramos-Horta 21 Feb said transition cannot go on indefinitely, elections should be held before Dec 2013; also expressed concern over living conditions for armed forces. UNSC 23 Feb extended UNIOGBIS mandate for 3 months until 30 April. Former finance minister José Mário Vaz, associate of ousted PM Gomes Junior, arrested 4 Feb and placed under investigation for misappropriation of funds.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Feb 2013
African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) and 3 small parties 17 Jan joined political accord to regulate transition process. Transitional President Nhamadjo 20 Jan said holding of elections in May 2013 “technically impossible”. UNSG Ban 1 Jan appointed former Timor-Leste president Ramos-Horta as new SRSG and head of UN peacekeeping office in G-B; Ramos-Horta 21 Jan acknowledged “difficulties” in mobilising international support for electoral process; 26 Jan said situation has evolved and polls could be held before end of year. At AU summit 16 Jan, AU SR in G-B OvÍdio Pequeno noted “positive evolution”; AU took “note” of ECOWAS request to lift suspension of G-B. PAIGC 14 Jan said will hold 8th congress in May; former CPLP Exec Sec Domingos Simões Pereira, former ministers Aristide Ocante da Silva and Braima Camara announced intention to run for party leadership . Ousted PM Gomes Júnior 23 Jan said he is “natural candidate” for presidential elections.
Guinea-Bissau
| 30 Dec 2012
Joint assessment mission comprising AU, UN, EU, ECOWAS and Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) visited Bissau 16-21 Dec. UN SRSG Mutaboba 11 Dec briefed UNSC on progress since UNSG Ban’s 27 Nov report; UNSC 13 Dec expressed concern over lack of progress on return to constitutional order. Forum of Political Parties (FPP), a pro-transition structure including ruling Social Renovation Party (PRS), said appointment of Rui Néné as new president of electoral commission illegal, called for replacement of national assembly by transitional council; President Nhamadjo 17 Dec attempted mediation. Govt 11 Dec said elections planned for May 2013 should be delayed by a few years to provide time for necessary reforms. Alberto Nambeia appointed as president of PRS during party’s 11-14 Dec congress following withdrawal of former president Kumba Ialá from race. U.S. 21 Dec suspended G-B from African Growth and Opportunity Act preference scheme; U.S. ambassador 18 Dec accused military/civilian officials of involvement in drug trade, encouraged CPLP/EU to support transition process. ECOWAS 27 Dec expressed concern following late-month beatings of ex-Prosecutor General Edmundo Mendes and former Gabu region administrator José Carlos Monteiro.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Dec 2012
Military spokesperson 5 Nov threatened to dissolve National Assembly following prolonged standoff between main parties following April coup. Parties 15 Nov confirmed minority Social Renovation Party (PRS) leader Sory Dialo as speaker marking resumption of Assembly operations; majority PAIGC content with vice-presidencies. Assembly mandate extended until 2013 elections. Security forces on alert 13 Nov following reports of “mercenary activity” in east/south of country, but alternative sources suspect cover-up for delivery of drugs. Sanha Clussé confirmed as Navy chief of staff 29 Nov, rather than Bubo na Tchuto,who is suspected of links to drug trade and involvement in several past coup attempts. ECOWAS 7 Nov committed $63 million to army reform. Ousted PM Gomes Júnior 8 Nov said would meet with transitional govt in Addis Ababa end-of-month to relaunch dialogue but transitional govt denied. International fact-finding mission due on 15 Nov cancelled over participants’ failure to agree “terms of reference”.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Nov 2012
Ethnic Felupe soldiers 21 Oct attacked military barracks near Bissau airport in attempted coup; 6 killed. Govt accused former chief of staff Zamora Induta, ousted PM Carlos Júnior and Portuguese govt of involvement, 28 Oct requested formal explanation from Portugal. Gomes Júnior supporters denounced coup as “set-up”. Soldiers 27 Oct captured suspected coup leader Captain Pansau N’Tchamá, allegedly murdered 3 accomplices, increasing fears of backlash against ethnic Felupe. 2 leading politicians critical of transition authorities, Yancuba Djola Indjai and Silvestre Alves, badly beaten by military 22 Oct. Angolan FM 28 Oct formally requested AU peace and Security Council to intervene.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Oct 2012
Negotiations between transition authorities and ousted PM Carlos Gomes Júnior’s African Party for the Independence of Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde (PAIGC) continued; ousted interim president Raimundo Pereira 28 Sept prevented from speaking as G-B representative to UNGA following ECOWAS complaint. Several PAIGC members, including former Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) Executive Sec Domingos Simões Pereira, announced intention to run against Gomes Júnior in PAIGC leadership elections at Jan 2013 party congress. CPLP 18 Sept said may suspend G-B from org; Cape-Verdean PM Neves 18 Sept said country ready to facilitate negotiations on impasse. UNODC 28 Sept said drug trafficking increasing.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Sep 2012
Army Chief of Staff António Indjai 22 Aug said forces loyal to ousted PM Carlos Gomes Júnior preparing putsch sparking fears of counter-coup. Diplomatic standoff continued as Community of Portuguese Language Countries, FRENAGOLPE reiterated demands for return to constitutional order; Gomes Jr 3 Aug called for multinational force to be deployed under UN aegis to “avoid ECOWAS blunders”. U.S. Sec State Clinton 1 Aug said country collapsing, drug-trafficking increasing; transition PM Rui Duarte Barros 13 Aug denied claim. Transitional President Nhamadjo 26 Aug sacked Attorney General Edmundo Mendes, replaced him with Abdú Mané, 12 Aug recalled ambassadors to Portugal, France, Dakar, EU and UN. National Youth and Population Forum 16 Aug expressed concern over presence of ECOWAS troops (ECOMIB) in Bissau. UNIOGBIS head Joseph Mutaboba 23 Aug reiterated need for inclusive dialogue, return to constitutional order, said any request for multinational force must come from govt. FM Faustino Fudut Imbali said FAGB troops to participate in operations in Mali.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Aug 2012
Angolan ambassador to UN 2 July said new elections might be acceptable but Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) at 20 July summit maintained demand for resumption of interrupted electoral process, called for high-level discussion on Guinea-Bissau at UN, barred transitional authorities from attending summit. UNSC 30 July expressed concern over reported increase in drug trafficking since April coup, called for consensual, inclusive and nationally-owned process to restore constitutional order. Body of MP Roberto Cacheu, disappeared since 26 Dec attempted coup, found 28 July near Dingal; ousted PM Carlos Gomes Júnior denied involvement.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Jul 2012
600-strong ECOWAS mission deployed as Angola 6-10 June withdrew MISSANG troops. Chief of staff António Indjai 6 June accused Angola of funding destabilisation attempts in G-B. Tension between ECOWAS and CPLP paralysed 7 June meeting of International Contact Group on G-B. Transition authorities excluded from 20 July CPLP meeting in Maputo, 21 June released Rear Admiral Bubo Na Tchuto arrested for failed 26 Dec 2011 coup.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Jun 2012
Junta, ECOWAS, opposition parties 11 May agreed to nominate Serifo Nhamadjo to preside over 1-year transition; Rui Duarte Barros named PM 16 May. Majority party PAIGC and CPLP strongly criticised ECOWAS for “legitimising coup d’état”. ECOWAS 19 May started deploying 629-strong Burkinabè/Nigerian/Senegalese security force. Angolan official 31 May said departure of MISSANG soldiers expected 2-10 June. UNSC 18 May imposed sanctions on coup leaders, demanded legitimate democratic govt. EU 31 May said does not recognise interim govt, broadened own list of sanctions targets.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 May 2012
Soldiers 12 April staged military coup, detained for over 2 weeks interim President Pereira and PM Gomes Júnior, widely expected to win presidential run-off originally scheduled 29 April; said acted to avert “Angolan aggression” by MISSANG forces stationed in Bissau. ECOWAS 27 April gave junta 72-hour ultimatum to accept 600-strong force, 12-month transition to civilian rule. CPLP 14 April demanded international intervention; Brazil said willing to lead stabilisation force. Following failure of negotiations with Chief of Staff António Indjai, ECOWAS 30 April imposed sanctions, threatened use of force to restore civilian rule. Portugal 15 April sent 2 navy ships, military plane to Cape Verde in preparation to evacuate nationals. Junta 16 April announced creation of transitional institutions to carry out 2-year roadmap to elections, proposed Parliament Speaker Serifo Nhamadjo as president; Nhamadjo rejected offer.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Apr 2012
Elections held 18 March in calm, but opposition candidates denounced fraud and rejected results in advance of vote. UNSG Ban 19 March praised peaceful election, but urged calm; international observers, ECOWAS, CPLP said poll free and fair. Fears of violence sparked by 18 March killing of former military intelligence chief Colonel Samba Djaló; ex-army Chief of Staff Zamora Induta fled to EU compound 22 March. Electoral commission 21 March said PM Carlos Gomes Júnior won first round with 49%, will face former President Yalá in 22 April run-off. 5 main challengers to Gomes, including Yalá, withdrew from race alleging large-scale fraud and irregularities; submitted evidence to electoral commission.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Mar 2012
In controversial vote PAIGC 4 Feb named PM Carlos Gomes Júnior as candidate to contest election scheduled 18 March; 13 other candidates announced intention to run, including former President Yalá. EU 17 Feb announced elections observer mission.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Feb 2012
Increased potential for political instability, civil, military unrest following death of President Sanhá 9 Jan, 26 Dec coup attempt. ECOWAS, UNSG Ban called for peaceful power transfer in accordance with constitution; despite initial rejection by some opposition parties, National Assembly president Raimundo Pereira appointed interim president, election scheduled for 18 March.
Guinea-Bissau
| 2 Jan 2012
Renegade soldiers 26 Dec assaulted Bissau army HQ in attempt to remove army chief Indjai; Angolan MISSANG troops intervened to prevent abduction of PM Gomes Júnior; at least 2 killed. Navy chief Bubo na Tchuto, former army chief Watna na Lai and at least 30 others – including several politicians – accused of orchestrating attack, held in Mansoa military garrison. UNSG Ban 27 Dec condemned use of force to settle differences, AU 29 Dec appointed Burkinabé President Compaoré mediator. Govt, Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) and ECOWAS failed to reach security sector reform agreement; army chief said deployment of ECOWAS troops could plunge country into turmoil. Tensions continued between opposition and ruling PAIGC over President Sanha’s health, possible replacement by National Assembly President Raimundo Pereira, role of MISSANG troops. UNIOGBIS mandate extended until Feb 2013.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Dec 2011
UNSG Ban 3 Nov presented G-B periodical review to UNSC, insisted steps must be taken on SSR and impunity. Following Social Renewal Party’s Oct announcement of boycott of Jan National Peace and Reconciliation Conference, Republican Party for Independence and Development 26 Nov also announced intention to boycott. Govt 3 Nov said it was considering signing ICC Statute in attempt to open way for international investigation of recent criminal cases. Angolan FM Manuel Augusto 8 Nov said Angola’s military assistance mission in Guinea-Bissau (MISSANG/GB) will stay for as long as needed; President Dos Santos 17 Nov admitted difficulties with ECOWAS regarding support for SSR in G-B. At late Nov meeting of Community of Portuguese language countries (CPLP) defence ministers in Cape Verde, G-B Defence Minister called for more financial support to SSR.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Nov 2011
UNSG Ban 21 Oct requested UNSC extend mandate of UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) until Dec 2012. Army Chief of Staff Antonio Indjai 28 Sept responded to rumours of coup, said duty is not to serve interests of Balanta ethnic group but country as a whole. Military strongman Rear Adm Bubo na Tchuto 14 Oct reiterated commitment to abide by civilian authority. New state prosecutor 12 Oct relaunched investigation into 2009 murder of Chief of Staff Tagme na Wai, said no investigation for other controversial murders. Social Renovation Party 28 Oct withdrew from National Peace and Reconciliation Conference scheduled Dec, said ruling PAIGC attempting to cover up crimes.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Oct 2011
Roberto Cacheu, PM Gomes’s main opponent within ruling African Party for Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), 8 Sept received 3 year suspension from party for claiming Gomes implicated in 2009 killing of several politicians. Senegal and G-B 17 Sept agreed to joint border patrols in response to banditry, Casamance separatism. President Sanha 23 Sept denied Navy chief of staff Bubo na Tchuto had reservations concerning security sector reform (SSR), reiterated call for donor support; CPLP and ECOWAS failed to reach agreement on implementation of SSR roadmap.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Sep 2011
President Sanha 2 Aug dismissed attorney-general Amine Michel Saad, widely seen as attempt to placate critics of Saad’s handling of investigations into 2009 assassinations of President and Chief of Staff. However, opposition again took to streets 5 Aug demanding resignation of PM Carlos Gomes Junior. President Sanha expressed support for PM Gomes; hundreds of youths 12 Aug rallied in capital demanding peace.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Aug 2011
Increasing tensions as opposition rallied in Bissau; disputed number of supporters, estimated from 1,000 to 15,000, 19 July demanded resignation of PM Carlos Gomes Jr; followed rally 14 July. Opposition accuse Gomes of hindering probe into 2009 assassinations of ex-president Joao Bernardo Vieira and others. President Sanha 26 July met with opposition, civil society representatives. EU 18 July announced resumption of development cooperation following commitments to tackle corruption, organised crime, but set conditions for resumption of full support; follows several pledges of assistance by multilateral donors in June, and country’s regaining of voting rights at AU summit early July.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Jun 2011
Paris Club group of creditors 10 May agreed to cancel over $250mn owed by Guinea-Bissau. Attorney-General 18 May called for international assistance to tackle drug trafficking; call followed 15 May resignation of Lucinda Barbosa, head of judicial police, who claimed death threats, lack of govt support. 2 killed, 20 injured 9 May in inter-communal violence in Djaal, north-east of Bissau.
Guinea-Bissau
| 3 Jan 2011
EU 30 Dec announced decision to open consultations with govt over governance concerns, suggested lack of progress in addressing key human rights, rule of law issues could lead to suspension of EU aid package. Move follows IMF, World Bank 16 Dec announcement of $1.2bn debt relief package, aimed at sending positive signal to donors, potential investors.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Dec 2010
UN SRSG Joseph Mutaboba 5 Nov reported to UNSC continued risks posed by drug trafficking, organised crime; called on international community to enhance national, regional capacities to tackle problem. UNSC 23 Nov extended mandate of UN mission until 31 Dec 2011. Early Nov Brasilia convention of Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries agreed on need to reform Guinea-Bissau defence, security sector.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Nov 2010
Following 29 Sept meeting with PM Gomes, EU Commission President Barroso announced govt acceptance of regional stabilisation force including ECOWAS and Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries, said EU would resume support to defence and security sector, suspended since May 2010. President Sanha 13 Oct reinstated Rear Admiral José Americo Bubo Na Tchuto as head of navy, accused 2008 of plotting failed coup; U.S. expressed concern, citing Na Tchuto’s alleged role in international drug trafficking. President Sanha 23 Oct taken ill and flown to Senegal; govt 31 Oct stated president “going well”, expected to return early Nov. African Party for Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde (PAIGC) 16 Oct publicly accused PM Gomes of involvement in June 2009 killing of 2 PAIGC members.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Oct 2010
Following Aug withdrawal of EU support for security sector reform, govt early month requested Angolan assistance to reform military, prevent coup attempts and tackle drug trafficking. ECOWAS heads of state summit in Abuja 17 Sept on Guinea-Bissau political, security crisis called on EU, U.S. to resume support to defence and security sector.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Sep 2010
Continued strained relations between govt and international partners. EU 4 Aug stated lack of respect for rule of law has crippled work of EU-SSR mission, announced withdrawal in Oct; could resume under certain conditions, including due process for 1 Apr mutiny suspects. Nigerian President Jonathan 18 Aug announced ECOWAS special meeting 19 Sept to address political situation. President Sanha 19 Aug presided over parliamentary session on national dialogue to include army, political parties, unions and civil society organisations; expected to pave way for Jan 2011 national reconciliation conference.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Aug 2010
Relations between govt and international partners strained since 26 June nomination of 1 Apr mutiny chief General Indjai as army chief of staff: ECOWAS 3 July condemned appointment; EU 5 July announced reassessment of support and end of SSR mission for Nov 2010; U.S. withdrew offer to support SSR. U.S. 15 July called for global sanctions against former navy chiefs Na Tchuto and Papa Camara for alleged involvement in drug trafficking. UNSC 22 July urged govt to free or try suspects in Apr mutiny and bring military under civilian control, voiced concern over rise in drug trafficking.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Jul 2010
PM Gomes 16 June denied rumours of imminent resignation, said govt will remain until end of mandate. SRSG Mutaboba 23 June urged govt to show commitment to SSR. President Sanha 25 June appointed Apr 2010 mutiny leader Gen Antonio Indjai as new head of army; decision criticised by U.S.. Sanha 1 June also claimed several high-ranking officials involved in March 2009 double assassination of former President Vieira and army chief Waié.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Jun 2010
ECOWAS fact-finding mission 5 May examined circumstances of PM Gomes’ detention during 1 Apr coup. Former head of navy José Americo Bubo Na Tchuto trial started 13 May; accused of complicity in 2008 coup and drug trafficking. Charges dropped 31 May.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 May 2010
Situation appeared to stabilise after group of soldiers led by deputy army chief Antonio Ndjai 1 Apr briefly detained PM Gomes, arrested army chief Zamora Induta and 40 military officers, and brought former navy chief Bubo Na Tchuto (suspected leader of 2008 failed coup attempt) back into military ranks. President Sanha 1 Apr said situation “calm”, events caused by “confusion between soldiers”. After 2 Apr talks with Sanha, Gomes said he would continue in post. ECOWAS 2 Apr expressed concern but stopped short of describing incident as a “coup”. Joint ECOWAS, EU, UN mission arrived 4 Apr for talks with Sanha, Gomes and Ndjai; called for security sector reform. Reports Induta seriously ill in custody. U.S. 9 Apr imposed sanctions on Na Tchuto and air force head Ibraima Papa Camara for alleged involvement in narcotics trafficking.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Apr 2010
As CrisisWatch went to press, group of soldiers 1 Apr detained PM Gomes and territories minister Sanca, freed navy chief Bubo Na Tchuto – suspected leader of 2008 failed coup attempt – from refuge in UN compound, and arrested current army chief Zamora Induta and 40 military officers. Gomes reportedly released hours later following protests calling for his reinstatement outside his Bissau office. Subsequent reports Gomes remained under house arrest. Army chief deputy Antonio Ndjai in 1 Apr press conference threatened to kill Gomes if people launched further rallies to support him. President Sanha unaffected. UNSG Ban 5 March issued report on UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office for G-B UNIOGBIS, urging rapid SSR, internal political cooperation to facilitate reforms and sustained donor support.
Guinea-Bissau
| 4 Jan 2010
Former navy chief Bubo Na Tchuto, accused of involvement in March 2009 military killings, returned from Gambia 28 Dec, taking refuge in UN office; authorities demand UN hand him over.
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Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Nov 2009
Govt reportedly increased troops along Senegalese border in response to alleged incursions by Casamance rebels; Bissau and Dakar deny reports of bilateral tensions.
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Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Oct 2009
President Malam Bacai Sanha inaugurated 8 Sept following July election, pledging to “shed light” on March killings and tackle corruption, drug trafficking. Chinese Assistant FM Zhai Jun in 23 Sept visit announced $8.9m technical and aid package as part of new cooperation deal.
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Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Sep 2009
Attorney General, investigating deaths of army chief and president Dec 2008 and military’s allegation of attempted coup in July, disclosed he is receiving regular death threats. Army Chief of Staff 6 Aug announced G-B would go forward with security sector reform drive next year, following last month’s presidential elections; reform will see army decrease from approximately 10,000 to 3,400.
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Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Aug 2009
Former heads of state Malam Bacai Sanha (ruling PAIGC) and Kumba Yala (opposition PRS) went to polls 26 July in 2nd-round presidential run-off after winning 39.6% and 29.4% of vote respectively in 28 June vote. Electoral commission 29 July announced Sanha’s victory, with over 63% of vote; Yala accepted outcome. EU monitors announced 28 June poll “free and fair”; both votes conducted without incident and with reported 60% turnout. Analysts stress considerable reform challenges facing new president.
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Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Jul 2009
Soldiers killed or arrested several politicians 5, 8 June as part of alleged operation to foil coup. Presidential candidate and minister Baciro Dabo shot dead in home after reportedly resisting arrest; wife claims he was shot in sleep. Ex-defense minister Helder Proenca, driver and bodyguard also killed; former PM Faustino Fudut Imbali detained, beaten; Baciro’s brother arrested 8 June. In 11 June radio address, military chief José Zamora Induta denied rumours of his own assassination and that coup plot fabricated to eliminate opponents. EU, UN and AU condemned killings, called for public inquiries; ECOWAS dispatched contact mission to mediate. Presidential poll held 28 June without incident, results yet to be announced; turnout reportedly low.
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Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Jun 2009
Supreme court cleared 13 candidates to contest 28 June presidential polls, including favourites Malam Bacai Sanha (ruling PAIGC) and former presidents Kumba Yala of opposition PRS, and Henrique Rosa; 7 others rejected on technical grounds, incl ex-PM Fadul. Military commission charged with investigating March death of army chief Na Wai delivered confidential report to public prosecutor 13 May. Civilian commission into President Vieira’s death extended investigation due to lack of “serious leads”, called on international community to release promised $1m in support. ECOWAS announced $13.5m to support G-B SSR and economic stabilisation.
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For background, see Crisis Group Africa Briefing N°57, Guinea-Bissau: Building a Real Stability Pact, 29 Jan. 2009.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 May 2009
Former interim leader Mallam Bacai Sanha confirmed candidacy for ruling PAIGC in 28 June presidential elections; 3 ex-leaders, including Kumba Yala (PRS), Aristides Gomes (PRID) and Henrique Rosa also confirmed intention to stand. Military attacks on critics brought call from 20 opposition parties on govt to resign over failure to curb army excesses; prominent lawyer Pedro Infanda and former PM Francisco Jose Fadul reportedly tortured late March; 3 arrested for involvement in early March assassinations of army but amid concerns over credibility of G-B investigations.
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For background, see Crisis Group Africa Briefing N°57, Guinea-Bissau: Building a Real Stability Pact, 29 Jan. 2009.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Apr 2009
Military chief Tagme na Wai and 5 officers killed in explosion in military HQ 1 March; President Vieira shot dead hours later by soldiers loyal to na Wai. Military announced constitution would be respected and National Assembly head Raimundo Pereira sworn in as interim president 3 March. Bissau reportedly calm. Parties 1 Apr announced elections for 28 June, 60 days beyond deadline prescribed in constitution to provide time for accrual of funds. José Zamora Induta appointed as interim army chief 14 March; connections to PM Gomes raised fears over continued military influence in politics. Gomes 16 March announced intention to contest next presidential polls. National and military commissions established to investigate killings; latter arrested 3 high-ranking soldiers late month.
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For background, see Crisis Group Africa Briefing N°57, Guinea-Bissau: Building a Real Stability Pact, 29 Jan. 2009.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Mar 2009
Guinea-Bissau Former Navy Chief Na Tchuto, implicated in Aug assassination attempt on President Vieira, failed to return from hiding in Gambia for trial as promised 13 Feb. Rwandan Ambassador Joseph Mutaboba appointed as UN envoy to G-B, effective 1 March.
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For background, see Crisis Group Africa Briefing N°57, Guinea-Bissau: Building a Real Stability Pact, 29 Jan. 2009.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Feb 2009
Tension between President Vieira and military leadership escalated 4 Jan when acting presidential guard, the “Aguentas” militia, fired shots near convoy carrying army chief Tagme Na Wai. Military command said attack backed by interior ministry; govt claimed shots accidental. Aguentas guard subsequently disbanded. Newly installed PM Gomes 8 Jan appointed 31-person govt dominated by ruling PAICG members and allies, despite earlier pledge to reach out to opposition.
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Guinea-Bissau
| 5 Jan 2009
Authorities 2 Dec announced arrest of suspected mastermind of 23 Nov assassination attempt on President Vieira, navy Sergeant Alexandre Tchama Yala – nephew of opposition PRS leader Kumba Yala – outside country; 8 others reportedly detained. Govt 6 Dec banned all public demonstrations in wake of attack. At 2 Dec ECOWAS security meeting, neighbours pledged to provide technical assistance to G-B and called on UNSG Ban to increase funding for security training.
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For background, see Crisis Group Africa Report N°142, Guinea-Bissau: In Need of a State, 2 July 2008.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Dec 2008
Optimism following peaceful 16 Nov parliamentary polls marred by 23 Nov attack on President Vieira’s home in apparent assassination attempt by renegade soldiers, killing 1 bodyguard; 6 arrested. AU, UNSC condemned attack, while Senegalese President Wade strengthened troops on border. Election, judged free and fair by international observers, returned PAIGC and PM Gomes to power with 67 seats.
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For background, see Crisis Group Africa Report N°142, Guinea-Bissau: In Need of a State, 2 July 2008.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Nov 2008
UN USG Pascoe reported “uneasy calm” ahead of 16 Nov elections, while UNSC statement issued 15 Oct focused on threat posed by thriving drugs trade to future security. UNSG Ban earlier called for UN panel to consider targeted sanctions. Complaints of numerous omissions on voter rolls.
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For background, see Crisis Group Africa Report N°142, Guinea-Bissau: In Need of a State, 2 July 2008.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Oct 2008
Controversy over potential military involvement in drug smuggling continued, with reports army officials sought to block investigation into July cocaine seizure at Bissau airport. EU evaluation mission 18 Sept said conditions ahead of 16 Nov legislative elections positive, despite fears for political stability following opposition PAIGC’s July withdrawal from consensus govt.
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Comment by Emmanuelle Bernard (Crisis Group), “Drug Boom, Lost Hope”, openDemocracy, 13 Sept. 2008.
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For background, see Crisis Group Africa Report N°142, Guinea-Bissau: In Need of a State, 2 July 2008.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Sep 2008
President Vieira 5 Aug dissolved National Assembly following opposition PAIGC withdrawal from govt alliance last month, reversing Apr law extending MPs’ mandate until 16 Nov elections. Vieira ally Correia sworn in as PM 9 Aug leadin new loyalist interim govt. Authorities 8 Aug said military coup plot foiled, alleged ringleader navy chief Na Tchuto captured in Gambia 13 Aug.
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For background, see Crisis Group Africa Report N°142, Guinea-Bissau: In Need of a State, 2 July 2008.
Guinea-Bissau
| 1 Aug 2008
Opposition party PAIGC 26 July withdrew from national stability pact after PM Cabi failed to consult on dismissal of several officials. Electoral census held 3-26 July ahead of Nov elections; low turnout reported. In ongoing anti-drugs struggle, 3 Venezuelan crew and 2 airport staff including head of air-traffic control arrested 19 July after plane cocaine load seized; rumours of army involvement.
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Items 1 - 50 of 81