West African leaders hold summit after wave of coups brings turmoil to region

3, February 2022

West African leaders hold summit after wave of coups brings turmoil to region 0

West African leaders hold a key summit on Thursday as a series of coups buffet a region struggling with poverty and a long history of turbulence.

Emergency talks in the Ghanaian capital Accra were triggered after Burkina Faso on January 24 became the third member of the 15-nation Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to be overtaken by the military.

Burkina followed Mali, where a coup in September 2020 was followed by a second in May 2021, and Guinea, where elected president Alpha Conde was ousted last September.

Adding to the region’s turmoil was a gun attack on Tuesday on the president of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, stoking fears that years of efforts to steer West Africa towards stability and democracy are failing.

Thursday’s one-day meeting, scheduled to start at 1000 GMT, will assess the outcome of two missions to Burkina following the coup.

Burkina was suspended from ECOWAS after rebel soldiers arrested President Roch Marc Christian Kabore amid public anger at his handling of a jihadist insurgency.

The question now is whether the country — ranked a wretched 182nd out of 189 countries in the UN’s worldwide development index — will escape economic punishment.

ECOWAS has already slapped crippling sanctions on Mali and Guinea for dragging their feet on commitments to restore civilian rule.

Those measures have included the closure of borders by ECOWAS members, an embargo on trade and financial transactions and sanctions against individuals.

Positive signs

Military chiefs from ECOWAS flew to Ouagadougou on Saturday for talks with the junta, and this was followed on Monday by a diplomatic mission led by Ghana’s foreign minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey.

Early reactions from the envoys have been positive.

“They seemed very open to the suggestions and proposals that we made. For us it’s a good sign,” Botchwey told reporters after meeting with strongman Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba and other junta members.

The talks were attended by the UN’s special representative for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mahamat Saleh Annadif, who described a “very frank exchange”.

The delegation notably met Kabore, whose wellbeing and demands for release from house arrest are major issues.

During the visit, the junta declared it had restored the constitution, which it had swiftly suspended following the coup, and named Damiba as president and head of the armed forces during a transition period.

And on Tuesday, Damiba met with political party chiefs, many of whom said they were keen to take part in the restoration of civilian rule.

But major questions remain unanswered, including the key issue of a date for elections. On January 24, the junta vowed to re-establish “constitutional order” within a “reasonable time”.

In deciding whether to impose sanctions, ECOWAS leaders have to balance the credibility of their organisation against the fragility of some of their states, especially in the Sahel.

Mali and Burkina Faso are in the throes of a nearly decade-old jihadist emergency that has claimed thousands of lives and forced at least one and a half million people from their homes.

Escalating political friction with the junta in Mali has driven Bamako closer to the Kremlin and cast a shadow over France’s anti-jihadist mission in the country.

Source: AFP

Africa Cup of Nations: Senegal beat valiant Burkina Faso 3-1 to reach the final

2, February 2022

Africa Cup of Nations: Senegal beat valiant Burkina Faso 3-1 to reach the final 0

Senegal reach the final by triumphing 3-1 over a valiant, well-disciplined Burkina Faso. A dynamic first half saw neither side score – but the Teranga Lions roared in the second half, demonstrating formidable goalscoring prowess.

Senegal boast a formidable squad spearheaded by Liverpool’s tremendously gifted winger Sadio Mané and Chelsea goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, arguably the best shot-stopper in the contemporary game. Napoli’s defensive linchpin Kalidou Koulibaly and PSG box-to-box midfielder Idrissa Gueye provide further quality elsewhere on the pitch.

But Senegal disappointed for much of the tournament. They won their group in desultory fashion with just five points and one win, a 1-0 triumph over Zimbabwe produced by a dubious penalty in the 7th minute of injury time.

The Teranga Lions finally roared in the quarterfinals, where they dominated against a surprisingly tricky Equatorial Guinea to bag a decisive victory. That performance showed why they remain a decent bet to win the tournament, despite that lacklustre opening. After all, in the 2018 World Cup, France were drab in the group stage but came alive in the knockouts before taking the trophy in style. Senegal could well pull off a similar feat.

Few observers regarded their opponents Burkina Faso as one of the favourites to win the Africa Cup of Nations, but they have quietly fought their way through the competition in the face of difficult opposition. Burkina Faso won on penalties against Gabon, previously one of the tournament’s most exciting teams, before their victory against Tunisia, who beat the mighty Nigeria in their preceding game – as teenager Dango Ouattara gifted them victory with a cracking goal.

Source: France 24

Southern Cameroons Crisis: Chinese and Nigerian gangs are robbing Manyu and Ndian of their prized wood

2, February 2022

Southern Cameroons Crisis: Chinese and Nigerian gangs are robbing Manyu and Ndian of their prized wood 0

The people of Manyu and Ndian must be vigilant. Their wealth is disappearing right before their own eyes.

Due to the war and the focus on football, there is a lot of illegal logging taking place in the Manyu and Ndian forests.

There are reports that Nigerians and Chinese gangs are working together to rob the people of the Southwest of their prized wood.

 Traditional chiefs are being brought into the corrupt deals and many are willing to play ball.

Our chief correspondent in Mundemba reported that even government officials are jumping into the lucrative deals. Chinese and Nigerian gangs are collaborating with corrupt government officials to rob the people of their wealth.

The current Ambazonian war is making it easy for these gangs to cart away wood from these frontier divisions into Nigeria and the provenance of the wood is changed once the wood gets into Nigeria. The wood is destined for China.

Chinese are working with Nigerians and some Southern Cameroonian groups. These criminal gangs are robbing the population  of its wealth.

Cameroon Concord News Group is investigating and will be providing more details in the days ahead.

Football: Aubameyang finally joins Barcelona

2, February 2022

Football: Aubameyang finally joins Barcelona 0

Barcelona finally confirmed the signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on Wednesday, handing the 32-year-old a contract until 2025 but with a break clause after 18 months.

Aubameyang was able to join Barca on a free transfer, in the most dramatic deal of the transfer window, after Arsenal terminated their former captain’s contract.

The break clause can be activated in June 2023, Barca confirmed, when his Arsenal contract had been due to expire.

Aubameyang has also taken a significant cut on his Arsenal salary to complete the move although it is likely his terms will improve after this season, when Barcelona’s salary limit is due to increase.

“The player will sign a contract until 30 June 2025 with an option to agree departure on 30 June 2023 and his buy out clause will be set at 100 million euros,” a Barcelona statement read.

Aubameyang’s surprise move brings an end to an increasingly embittered spell at Arsenal, who will be relieved to be rid of his wages, which reportedly started at 300,000 euros ($337,000) a week.

Barcelona, meanwhile, will believe one of the world’s deadliest finishers in his prime can now fire them into La Liga’s top four, with Champions League qualification essential to the club’s hopes of financial recovery.

“It’s Auba time!” declared Barca as they announced the striker’s arrival as a free agent. The club’s tweet also included a video of Aubameyang declaring “I’m here Barcelona fans! Forca Barca!”

Barcelona are “one of the biggest clubs in the world and that is why I have signed for Barca”, he said.

“It was a very long day, but in the end I’m here, I’m looking forward to it and I’m very happy.”

French-born Aubameyang is, like his father Pierre, a Gabon international. His mother was born near Madrid before moving to France as a child.

“I’m very proud especially because my family is Spanish by my mother’s side,” said Aubameyang.

The move gives him the set of the five major European leagues, although he never played in Serie A for AC Milan, where he began his career and starred for the youth team.

“I have experience, I played in Germany, in France, in England, so I’m here to help and give the maximum for the team.”

‘Disciplinary breach’

It was a spectacular way for Barcelona to end an active transfer window.

They have been busy despite their enormous debts and their inability to either sign talented French World Cup winning striker Ousmane Dembele to a contract extension or to sell him before he becomes a free agent in the summer.

Barcelona have struggled to fill the hole Lionel Messi left when he departed in the summer. With Dembele out of favour, Ansu Fati injured and Memphis Depay and Luuk de Jong struggling, the club were desperate to add punch in attack.

Aubameyang’s arrival follows Spain winger Ferran Torres, bought at the end of December for 55 million euros from Manchester City, and the return of both club legend Dani Alves at 38 and Spanish winger Adama Traore, on loan from Wolves.

They sit fifth in La Liga, a point behind Atletico Madrid, who they play at home on Sunday, when Aubameyang could make his debut.

Aubameyang, who was named African Footballer of the Year in 2015, was recruited by Arsenal on the last day of the 2018 January transfer window for a reported 56 million pounds, a club record at the time.

In almost exactly four years at the club, he appeared in 165 competitive games and scored 92 goals.

But his form dipped rapidly after he signed a three-year contract that reportedly made him the Premier League’s highest earner at the time in September 2020.

The striker’s indiscipline and chronic lack of punctuality caused problems at Arsenal as they had at Dortmund.

In December he was stripped of the captaincy for what Arsenal described as “his latest disciplinary breach”.

“I have always been 100% focused and committed on doing everything I can for this club which is why leaving without a real goodbye hurts – but that is football,” Aubameyang wrote to Arsenal fans on Instagram after he was released on Tuesday.

In January, Aubameyang was part of the Gabon squad at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon but missed the first two games with coronavirus before being sent home after team medical staff said they had detected “cardiac lesions”.

Source: AFP

Africa Cup of Nations: From favourites Cameroon to Salah’s Egypt- what to expect from the semis

2, February 2022

Africa Cup of Nations: From favourites Cameroon to Salah’s Egypt- what to expect from the semis 0

The Africa Cup of Nations semifinals kick off on Wednesday as Senegal take on Burkina Faso, followed by Cameroon’s clash against Mo Salah’s Egypt the next day. Hosts Cameroon are the clear favourites but they’re expected to face tough competition. FRANCE 24 gives you the lowdown.

Senegal v Burkina Faso

Senegal went into this competition as the most touted team to seize the trophy. The Teranga Lions grabbed the attention of football fans across the globe at the 2002 World Cup, when they famously beat title-holders France – the formidable Bleus of Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira. 

Since then, they cemented their status as giants of African football. It didn’t look like it would be long before they won their first trophy – and the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations seemed a good bet, since Senegal boasted a formidable squad spearheaded by Liverpool’s tremendously gifted winger Sadio Mané and Chelsea goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, arguably the best shot-stopper in the contemporary game. Napoli’s defensive linchpin Kalidou Koulibaly and PSG box-to-box midfielder Idrissa Gueye provided further quality elsewhere on the pitch.

But Senegal disappointed for much of this year’s tournament. They won their group in desultory fashion with just five points and one win, a 1-0 triumph over Zimbabwe produced by a dubious penalty in the 7th minute of injury time.

The Teranga Lions finally roared in the quarterfinals, where they dominated against a surprisingly tricky Equatorial Guinea to bag a decisive victory. That performance showed why they remain a decent bet to win the tournament, despite that lacklustre opening. After all, in the 2018 World Cup, France were drab in the group stage but came alive in the knockouts before taking the trophy in style. Senegal could well pull off a similar feat.

Few observers regarded their opponents Burkina Faso as one of the favourites to win the Africa Cup of Nations, but they have quietly fought their way through the competition in the face of difficult opposition. Burkina Faso won on penalties against Gabon, previously one of the tournament’s most exciting teams, before their victory against Tunisia, who beat the mighty Nigeria in their preceding game – as teenager Dango Ouattara gifted them victory with a cracking goal.

Cameroon v Egypt

Cameroon imposed themselves as the obvious favourites with a sparkling win early on against Ethiopia, a 4-1 trouncing that lit up a previously goal-shy tournament. They won two out of three group stage matches and never looked back from that sterling performance in the opening round.

Their most formidable asset is talismanic striker Vincent Aboubakar, the tournament’s leading scorer so far with six goals in five games. Aboubakar’s power, pace and positioning will make him a lethal threat to Egypt’s defenders.

Aboubakar’s strike partner Karl Toko-Ekambi is not far behind in the goal scoring table, with five goals in as many matches. The Lyon striker was the star of the show in Cameroon’s quarterfinal victory over Gambia, as they relentlessly attacked to defeat well-disciplined and determined opponents.

Toko-Ekambi put them one up shortly after half-time with an exquisite header from an equally sumptuous Collins Fai cross. Seven minutes later he made it two, launching an impeccably timed run from behind the Gambia defense to tap a low cross into the back of the net. 

The home advantage provides a further boon for Cameroon, with cheering crowds flocking to the stadiums, creating an intimidating atmosphere for opponents.

Cameroon’s semifinal opponents Egypt were expected to benefit from a similar home advantage when they hosted the tournament last time, in 2019. But they crashed out in the last 16 in disappointing form.

Although Egypt has at least two further rounds, their form hasn’t markedly improved, as they progressed, thanks to Nigeria, before narrow, uninspiring victories over Sudan, Ivory Coast and Morocco.

But the victory over Morocco demonstrated why – despite a lack of talent in many positions – many football fans rate Egypt as a top contender. It can be explained in two words: Mohamed Salah, Liverpool superstar and undoubtedly the greatest African footballer of the day.

Everything rested on Salah for the Pharaohs as they successfully tried to overcome Morocco – and he delivered. First he poached a ruthlessly opportunistic goal from the six-yard line. Then he enabled the second goal with a dazzling run down the right – the stuff of defenders’ nightmares – handing teammate Trézéguet a goal on a plate.

So far in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, the Cameroon defence have not faced a player on anything like the same level as Salah – and they were rattled against a valiant Cape Verde, who held them to a draw in the only blot on Cameroon’s record, thanks to their keen eye for the slightest defensive misstep. The hosts may be the clear favourites, but this tournament has thrown up suprises and there could well be still more to come. 

Source: France 24

Africa Cup of Nations: ‘It’s a war, that’s how you should play the game,’ Eto’o tells Lions ahead of Egypt clash

2, February 2022

Africa Cup of Nations: ‘It’s a war, that’s how you should play the game,’ Eto’o tells Lions ahead of Egypt clash 0

President of the Cameroonian Football Association Samuel Eto’o urged Cameroon’s players to treat Thursday’s game against Egypt in the semi-final of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations as if they are going to war.

The Cameroon great, who won himself the title twice in 2000 and 2002, gave the national team players an enthusiastic speech that went viral on social media on Monday.

“Everything you’ve made so far must be completed on Thursday, with the same mentality. Prepare yourself because it is going to be a war. That’s how you should play the game. A war,” said Eto’o.

“You can’t waste such a chance, this is impossible,” he added.

The hosts qualified to the semifinal after defeating Gambia, while the Pharaohs reached the semis after completing a remontada against Morocco.

The last time both teams have faced each other in the Africa Cup of Nations was in the final of the 2017 edition, where the Pharaohs lost 1-2.

Eto’o, a four-time African player of the year, was elected President of the Cameroon Football Federation in December 2021. Since then, he has been a stiff defender of playing in the Nations Cup despite the opposition of European clubs due to the coronavirus pandemic and doubts surrounding the readiness of his country.

A triumph of the Indomitable Lions in this edition would be a slam dunk to the start of his era.

Source:  Ahram Online Sports

Africa Cup of Nations: Egypt file complaint against appointment of Gambian as referee for Cameroon clash

2, February 2022

Africa Cup of Nations: Egypt file complaint against appointment of Gambian as referee for Cameroon clash 0

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said on Tuesday it had lodged a formal complaint with African governing body CAF over the appointment of Gambian Bakary Gassama for their clash against Cameroon in the Nations Cup semi-final on Thursday.

The EFA did not provide any explanation for its action in a brief statement.

Gassama was in charge of Egypt’s opening 1-0 loss to Nigeria in the group stage.

The match was largely free of controversial incidents, apart from a penalty appeal by Egypt that was waved away by Gassama when substitute Ahmed Zizo fell under a slight challenge in the area in the second half.

Gassama is one of Africa’s most decorated referees, having officiated at several Nations Cup editions as well as the 2014 and 2018 World Cups.

The 42-year-old is best known in Egypt for taking charge of the team’s 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Congo in October 2017, which took the Pharaohs to the 2018 Russia finals for the first time since 1990.

He also refereed Ahly’s 1-0 home victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the second leg of the African Champions League final in April 2019. The South Africans won the title with a 5-1 aggregate win.

Source: Ahram Online Sports

Southern Cameroons UN Situation Report

2, February 2022

Southern Cameroons UN Situation Report 0

HIGHLIGHTS

Seven attacks on healthcare were reported, two in the North-West (NW) and five in the South-West (SW).

Two ambulance staff of an international medical NGO have been detained by State security forces following patient’s transfer duties.

NSAGs perpetrated 11 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) incidents in the NWSW, including two in Buea town in the SW, targeting communities.

The cholera outbreak in the South-West region continues to spread. As of 31 December, four health districts have confirmed cases, with 521 cases and 18 deaths.

SITUATION REPORT

Fighting continues between State security forces (SSFs) and non-State armed groups (NSAGs). The population in the NWSW continues to suffer the impact of armed clashes and insecurity, ranging from exposure to crossfire and abductions to explosions from improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) reported 11 IEDs incidents in December; four in the NW and seven in the SW. While most incidents had SSFs as target, three incidents reported in the Fako division directly targeted populations. On 6 December, allegedly NSAG fighters detonated an IED at Soppo market. A second IED was discovered at the market and deactivated by SSFs. On 13 December, an IED explosion was reported at a trade fair at Bongo Square in Clerks Quarter neighbourhood. An unspecified number of people were injured. These attacks and others reported in Buea in the past months targeting civilians are instilling fear among the population. Imposed Monday ghost town rule declared by NSAG are still in place.

The cholera outbreak in Ndian division, South-West, is aggravating. As of 31 December, 521 cases, including 18 deaths, were reported. This is an important increase in comparison to 105 reported cases at the end of November. Humanitarian actors continue to support Ekondo Titi and Bakassi health districts in Ndian division. Access is worsened by poor roads while maritime access is challenging with the presence of pirates and limited resources to reach affected areas. The sea route was considered the safest means of access to the Ekondo-Titi subdivision, used by humanitarian organizations operating in Bamusso as an alternative to roads where there is a high number of NSAG attacks. The presence of pirates on this route has increased security risks for partners and will most likely hinder rapid and safe humanitarian access and the ability to implement activities, especially cholera outbreak related ones.

Attacks on healthcare continued in the NWSW. On 5 December, SSFs reportedly made an incursion into St Mary Soledad hospital in Alakuma- Mankon, NW. During this incident, wards were searched, Patients were harassed and two suspected NSAG fighters who were receiving treatment were arrested. On 26 December, SSFs stopped an international medical NGO ambulance at Nguti checkpoint, Kupe-Muanenguba, transporting an injured man from Ashum village in Tinto subdivision, Manyu division to a hospital in Mutengene, in Tiko subdivision. Security forces retrieved the patient and ordered the NGO team to go back to Mamfe, Manyu division. The ambulance driver and the nurse were arrested and detained for investigation. Seven attacks on healthcare were reported in the NWSW. These incidents remain a serious threat to the availability of timely and equitable healthcare in the restive regions.

Displacement continues due to insecurity and violence. Protection continues to be a major concern as civilians continue to be arbitrarily arrested, assaulted, abducted for ransom, and denied access to basic services. Over 2,490 individuals were reportedly displaced in the NWSW in December, following armed confrontations between SSFs and NSAGs, or as a preventive measure for fear of being attacked. Emergency assessments were conducted to identify priority needs of the affected population. Most of them intended to go back to their locations of origin once the situation allows, due to poor living conditions in the bush settlements and limited access to services in host communities.

Culled from UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Africa Cup of Nations final to hold at Olembe stadium where 8 persons died from stampede

2, February 2022

Africa Cup of Nations final to hold at Olembe stadium where 8 persons died from stampede 0

The Africa Cup of Nations final is scheduled to take place at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde.

This comes as the Confederation of African Football confirmed on Sunday that, in light of assurances received by local authorities following a hearing into the causes of last Monday’s crush, there will be no venue change for Cameroon’s semi-final against Egypt nor the tournament final on January 6.

CAF’s announcement means that the second semi-final scheduled for February 3 will be at the ground along with the February 6 final.

A statement from the CAF reads, “Having noted the recommendations and undertakings from the government in regard to additional security provisions…the CAF Organising Committee unanimously agreed to lift the suspension imposed on the Olembe Stadium.

“The Local Organising Committee and the government of Cameroon having significantly increased security and resources at the Olembe Stadium, (CAF) are confident that the safety and security of spectators and visitors will be assured.”

Eight people were reported to have been killed and dozens hurt in a crush outside the stadium hosting an Africa Cup of Nations match in Cameroon.

A video footage showed football fans struggling to get access to the Paul Biya stadium in a neighbourhood of the capital Yaounde.

Another report said a number of children had lost consciousness.

The stadium has a capacity of 60,000 but because of COVID-19 restrictions, it was not meant to be about 80 per cent filled.

Match officials were quoted as saying that some 50,000 people were trying to attend.

Source: Reuters

Guinea-Bissau president says many dead after ‘failed attack against democracy’

2, February 2022

Guinea-Bissau president says many dead after ‘failed attack against democracy’ 0

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday said he survived heavy fire for five hours during an attempted coup which he claimed killed or injured many people in the unstable west African country.

Appearing in a video posted on the presidency’s Facebook page hours after gunfire was heard near a compound where he was chairing a Cabinet meeting, Embalo said some of the people involved had been arrested.

“The attackers could have spoken to me before these bloody events that have seriously injured many and claimed lives,” he said, without clearly indicating who was behind the unrest.

But Embalo said the failed coup was linked to decisions he had taken “notably to fight drug trafficking and corruption”.

Shortly before the video appearance, the president told AFP in a brief telephone call: “All is well” and added that the situation is “under control”.

Earlier on Tuesday, sustained gunfire was heard near the seat of government in the coup-prone West African state in what the African Union and a regional bloc called an “attempted coup”.

Heavily-armed men had surrounded the Palace of Government, where Embalo and Prime Minister Nuno Gomes Nabiam were believed to have been attending a cabinet meeting.

People were seen fleeing the area on the edge of the capital Bissau, near the airport.

Local markets were closed and banks shut their doors, while military vehicles laden with troops drove through the streets.

According to various accounts, in the early afternoon armed men were seen entering the government palace, which houses different ministries.

Some witnesses described the gunmen as military, others as civilians.

Gunfire could be heard for a large part of the afternoon when the complex was surrounded.

An AFP reporter was warned to leave the area by a man carrying a gun who pointed it at him.

The former Portuguese colony, just south of Senegal, is an impoverished coastal state of about two million people.

It has seen four military coups since gaining independence in1974, most recently in 2012.

In 2014, the country vowed to return to constitutional government, but it has enjoyed little stability since then, and the armed forces wield substantial clout.

A 36-year-old Frenchwoman living in Bissau, Kadeejah Diop, said she rushed to pick up her two children from school and witnessed armed troops entering the government complex.

“They made all the female workers leave. There was huge panic,” she told AFP by phone from her home. “Right now, we are holed up indoors. We have no news.”

Troops set up a security perimeter around the palace and kept people away.

A journalist, asking not to be named, reported that at the start of the afternoon the public television centre had been occupied by soldiers who refused to let staff leave. It was not clear if they were part of the coup bid or government loyalists.

African Union Commission chief Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed deep concern over the “attempted coup”.

An AU statement said he was following “with deep concern the situation in Guinea Bissau, marked by the attempted coup d’etat against the government”.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also issued a statement saying it “condemns this attempted coup” and urged soldiers to “return to their barracks”.

The bloc warned that it “holds the military responsible for the well-being” of the president and government members.

The United Nations said Secretary General Antonio Guterres was “deeply concerned with the news of heavy fighting in Bissau”.

He called for “an immediate end to the fighting and for full respect of the country’s democratic institutions,” the UN’s statement said.

Election turmoil

Embalo, a 49-year-old reserve brigadier general and former prime minister, took office in February 2020 after winning a second-round runoff election that followed four years of political in-fighting under the country’s semi-presidential system.

He was a candidate for a party called Madem, composed of rebels from the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), which had led Guinea-Bissau to independence.

His chief opponent, PAIGC candidate Domingos Simoes Pereira, bitterly contested the result but Embalo declared himself president without waiting for the outcome of his petition to the Supreme Court.

Late last year, the armed forces chief said members of the military had been preparing to launch a coup while the president was on a working trip to Brazil.

Troops had been offering bribes to other soldiers “in order to subvert the established constitutional order”, armed forces head General Biague Na Ntam said on October 14.

The government spokesman denied his account the following day.

In addition to volatility, Guinea-Bissau struggles with a reputation for corruption and drug smuggling.

Its porous coastline and cultural ties have made it an important stop on the Africa trafficking route. In 2019, nearly two tonnes of cocaine were seized.

Three countries in West Africa – Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso – have experienced military takeovers in less than 18 months.

The region’s mounting instability is scheduled to be discussed on Thursday at an ECOWAS summit in Accra, Ghana.

“It looks increasingly hard to argue against the idea of coup contagion,” Eric Humphrey-Smith, an analyst at risk consultancy Verisk Maplecroft, told Reuters.

“When added to successful coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Chad in the past year, there is no doubt that West African leaders are nervously looking over their shoulders.”

Source:  REUTERS

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