Guinea-Bissau: Anti-government protests in Bissau May 27

Event

Approximately 2000 protesters marched through the streets of Guinea-Bissau's capital, Bissau, on Saturday, May 27, demanding that Guinea-Bissau's president, Jose Mario Vaz, step down. The protest was organized by a civil society organization, which has been requesting an end to the political crisis in Guinea-Bissau for several months. President Vaz has responded to the protests by stating that he will not step down.

Violent clashes were reported between security forces and protesters, and further unrest is likely over the coming weeks and months.

Context

Guinea-Bissau, a former Portuguese colony, is notoriously unstable and has experienced nine coups or attempted coups since 1980. Political instability has allowed it to become a major transit point for cocaine trafficked from South America to Europe. The country has been going through political turmoil since President José Mario Vaz dismissed Prime Minister Domingos Simoes Pereira, leader of the ruling African Party for the independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) and the president's own party, in August 2015.

Advice

In general, Guinea-Bissau is considered relatively safe, however travelers should be vigilant in the capital Bissau, where high crime rates are reported, and along the border with Senegal (north), due to the presence of mines and occasional clashes that occur across the border in Senegalese Casamance. Given recent political turmoil, travelers are also advised to avoid all demonstrations and protests.