Guinea-Bissau sinks a little deeper into the post-electoral crisis

Text by: RFI Follow

Guinea-Bissau is mired in the post-electoral crisis, after the presidential election in late December. This Tuesday, the government appointed the day before by Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who presents himself as the president-elect, has moved into the ministries. But on the side of its rival Domingos Simões Pereira, the PAIGC denounces a coup. For the historic party, this government is "illegal".

Publicity

With our special correspondent in Bissau, Charlotte Idrac

At the government palace, watched by soldiers, Nuno Gomes Nabiam's team took up residence. A Council of Ministers was held this Tuesday March 3. In a press release, he said that all the departments will be operational as of this Wednesday, and asked the officials to report to their respective departments.

#Guinee Bissau. Umaro Sissoco Embalo camp publishes the list of its new government. After the ECOWAS press release @ecowas_cedeao which asked for the end of the “anarchy”. 4th inauguration since Thursday @RFIAfrique pic.twitter.com/30aBLqKYIl

For Sékou Camara, trader, it is a hope for change. " I have great hopes, I think this new government will do everything it can to get things done in the country. The priority is education. There are also farmers' expectations for the marketing of cashew nuts , ”he explains.

On the government side of Aristides Gomes, Odete Semedo, Minister of Territorial Administration, has not been to the office since Friday evening. At the headquarters of her party the PAIGC, she denounced a " usurpation ", and a grabbing of power.

" It is a group of people, not a government. It is the party which wins the legislative elections which forms the government. The situation is atypical : we have a self-proclaimed president, and a government that is anything but a government, ”she said.

In this showdown, the army actually chose its side . The institutions are still occupied by the military. The National People's Assembly, the courthouse or the Supreme Court remain closed.

ECOWAS is running the risk of becoming part of the Guinea-Bissau problem.

Idriça Djalo, ex-presidential candidate and president of the Union Nationale party denounces the ambiguities of the ECOWAS

In a statement published Tuesday, March 3, Reporters Without Borders calls for the departure of soldiers from public radio and television, which have been closed since Friday evening.

Newsletter With the Daily Newsletter, find the headlines directly in your mailbox

Download the app

• Umaro Sissoco Embalo
• Guinea-Bissau