19 Feb 2018 | 11:10 AM UTC
Guinea-Bissau: Pro-government protest Feb. 18
Pro-government protest in Bissau to denounce ECOWAS measures February 18
Event
Supporters of President José Mario Vaz protested in the capital Bissau on Sunday, February 18, to denounce recent measures taken by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against 19 national leaders. Members of opposition parties also took part to the protest. Further such demonstrations are possible in the coming days and weeks.
Context
Guinea-Bissau has experienced a period of political uncertainty since August 2015, when President 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. Various protests have been held in recent months in the capital.
On February 6, the ECOWAS issued sanctions against 19 lawmakers and associates of the president, including his son, over the continued failure to end the political impasse. The sanctions include a travel ban and a freeze on bank accounts
Advice
Individuals are advised to monitor the situation and avoid all protests due to the possibility of violence.
