Guinea Bissau since Independence has not had it rosy on the economic front. According to the World Bank index, she is seen as one of the world‘s poorest states. She has had a history of coups and is known to be a major route of drug traffic via Europe. Despite elections and promises made to promote economic and social development by the government. The people are yet to benefit from these promises.
The Tragedy that struck the country was the assassination of her President, Joao.B.Vierra and head of the army, General Tagme Na Waie which is a big blow to democracy. This is happening at a time when the African Union (AU) and Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) leadership are trying to restore order in the sister’s country Guinea Conakry through the effort of the international contact group on Guinea. The Political scenario is a standstill in which schools are shut and the people are scare on what becomes of their country at this time. They are yet to get responses from the government on who are the culprits behind these killings.
We were made to understand that the president was behind the killing of his Army chief of staff, who he has been having a running battle for a long time. However soldiers loyal to the Army Chief took laws up their hands by revenging the death of their boss. One will believe that the death of these men could bring about peace in this country. It is difficult to really accept this theory when looking at the country records of past leaders been killed before the end of their tenure. The late president could not even depend on his own country’s armed forces for protection and relied on the armed forces of Senegal and Guinea Conakry for his security. This act continued to destabilise the political structure of the country. This has given room to the formation of militia groups and a threat to national security.
The historical background to this cruel act dates to how past leadership have used the military to stay put in power for decades. Due to this act, the military leadership they have refused to subject themselves under the control of the present democratic dispensation. The military institution sees themselves as guardians of democracy on one hand and has continued to interfere with the political and civil rights of civilians. This has really affected their performance as an institution and made them a subject of ridicule in the eyes of the international community. It is also sad to hear most juniors officers are under paid and living in paltry conditions. This resulted to in riots in various barracks throughout the country sometime last year .There is now no discipline and a prevalent attitude of ‘all man for himself and God for us all’. It has also been reported that some military officers are involved in shady deals which involve cannabis smuggling and the sales of arms to rebel groups in neighbouring countries.
With the appointment of an interim leader pending the conduct of an election within 60 days, this gives room for sober reflection on all stakeholders. Army reform is important to free the political system from military interference. This brings into question the role of the legislature to enact laws to this effect. The culprits responsible for this act must be brought to book. There is the need for a total retirement of all military officers who have tested political appointment in Guinea Bissau. The United Nations peace building support office based in Guinea Bissau should step up demobilisation and draft a sustainable reintegration programme which address the needs of former combatants. For those left in the army, international assistance is needed to assist it in transforming into a depoliticised and democratically accountable defence force.
The Country needs the support of the international community to achieve her responsibilities for the population. The Interim President needs the support of all stake holders to make the election a success. Achieving political stability in Guinea Bissau is strategically important for the national security of its immediate neighbours and the entire sub region.
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*Arinze Ngwube
A Postgraduate Student in International Relations
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