06 Jun 2019 | 09:37 AM UTC
Guinea-Bissau: Opposition protest in Bissau June 6 /update 9
Opposition protest in Bissau over the nomination of a prime minister following March 10 legislative elections; further protests likely
Event
Supporters of opposition parties are expected to demonstrate in front of the Parliament building in Bissau on Thursday, June 6, 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 reached 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.
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 of 102 seats at the National Assembly. However, as the party did not gain an outright majority, the PAICG is forced to form a coalition government with the Madem G-15, which secured 48 seats in 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.
