Guinea-Bissau: Anti-government protest March 4

Event

Hundreds of activists demonstrated in the capital Bissau on Sunday, March 4, in support of recent measures taken by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against 19 national leaders- including President José Mario Vaz - amid an ongoing political crisis. 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 their continued failure to end the political impasse. The sanctions include a travel ban and a freeze on bank accounts. Supporters of President Vaz protested in Bissau on February 18 to denounce the measures.

Advice

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