Police Presence in Bissau Stifles Protests Amid Internet Blackout

Police Presence in Bissau

This Saturday, the city of Bissau was under heavy police presence, with no signs of the two planned protests: one supporting and one opposing the country's regime. Internet access was also down, complicating communications for the local population.

Protest Background

The disbandment of protests due to police presence has been a constant theme in recent months. This is the first time, however, that protests coincided with a widespread communication failure. Since approximately 7:30 AM, mobile data has been unavailable across the two main operators, and there are issues with fixed-line networks, severely limiting the use of WhatsApp, the primary communication tool for Guineans.

Previous Protests

Supporters and opponents of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló had organized protests two months after similar events in May, which saw more police than demonstrators on the streets of the capital. The supportive group, named Firkidja di Povo, contests the release of former officials accused of corruption from the deposed government, while the Popular Front opposes the dissolution of parliament and demands elections this year. They argue that the current leadership of the National Election Commission has expired.

Political Tensions

The Popular Front aims to 'save democracy', claiming it is under threat in Guinea-Bissau, and demands the scheduling of presidential elections before the end of President Embaló's current term in February 2025. However, Embaló has repeatedly stated that elections will only occur in 2025, a stance opposed by various civil society organizations and political parties advocating for a 2024 election.

Recent History of Protests

During the May protests, around 100 activists from the Popular Front were detained by police, with some held for 10 days. The current situation remains tense, with both sides awaiting further developments.