Guinea-Bissau: Planned protests in Bissau Dec. 7-8

Event

Political protests are scheduled to be held in the capital Bissau on Thursday, December 7, and Friday, December 8. The demonstrations are expected to take place in downtown Bissau, from Chapa Bissau to Praça dos Herois.

A heightened security presence and potential transportation disruptions are likely in the vicinity of the protests.

Context

Guinea-Bissau has experienced a period of political uncertainty since August 2015, when President José Mário Vaz dismissed Prime Minister Domingos Simoes Pereira, leader of the president's own African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC). Vaz and his government have suffered increasing unpopularity over the past three years and have failed to open significant dialogue with opposition actors, a concern given the country's history of frequent coup d'états. Several protests have been held in recent months in the capital.

Advice

Individuals are advised to monitor the situation and avoid all protests due to the possibility of violence.