Guinea-Bissau: Youth protest in Bissau May 14; further likely /update 8

Event

Youth protested on Tuesday, May 14, in the capital Bissau to demand the appointment of the country's prime minister following the March 10 legislative elections. MPs took office on April 18, but since then no consensus has been found over the political formation in the National Assembly, leaving the country without a government.

Further political demonstrations are likely in Bissau and other cities over the coming days. Heightened security measures and transportation disruptions are to be expected near demonstration sites. Clashes between supporters of different political parties are possible in the coming days.

Context

The ruling African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) won 46.1 percent of votes in the March 10 legislative election, securing 54 out of 102 seats at the National Assembly. However, as the party didn't gain an outright majority, the PAICG is forced to form a coalition government with the Madem G-15, which secured 48 seats at the National Assembly.

Guinea-Bissau has experienced a period of political uncertainty since August 2015, when President José Mario Vaz dismissed Prime Minister Domingos Simoes Pereira, leader of the president's own PAIGC. Vaz and his government have since suffered increasing unpopularity. 

Advice

Individuals in Guinea-Bissau are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate public demonstrations and associated disruptions, and avoid all political events as a precaution.