Bissau: tempo de perseguições

Following the coup d’état, the military officers were looking for the Members of the Government, leaders of the PAIGC, regional governors and personalities linked to political leaders, including the Justice and National Election Commission representatives in order to arrest them. As regards, they have still mostly hidden in the embassies, in Bissau. Other is circulating during the day but overnight they sleep in homes of others randomly. Ø As a consequence, many houses were looted, assaulted and vandalised. Ø Many companies linked to government members were looted also. Violation of Freedom of assembly and freedom of expression Ø A march was organized by a group of youth and was then violently dispersed by the military. At least one demonstrator was seriously injured with his leg slashed with a bayonet by the military. About 30 youth started the march at a March intersection of the city and increased to around 150 people. Since this first demonstration took place, the military command warned citizens that similar actions are strongly prohibited and those who do not respect this rule will be severely punished. Ø On the other hand, in the first days of the coup, private press and national TV had been closed. Then, after the reopening, the military command conditioned the broadcasting of local radios and the national TV. Journalists were persecuted and other were even detained and brutally injured by the military command officers. Illegal and arbitrary detentions and torture Ø Many people have been persecuted, illegally and arbitrary arrested by the militaries such as the former prime minister, the interim president of the republic, some military officers, singer Dulce Neves. Ø Torture of the Military Fodé Cassamá Secretary for War Veterans and his two collaborators as well as the singer Dulce Neves. Violation of the right to property Ø Many Vehicles of members of the government were expropriated and according to information received, the perpetrators are trying to sell the vehicles in the neighbouring countries Huge flux of people to the regions Ø A big number of people were seen moving from the capital, Bissau, to the countryside in order to run away from the current political/military crisis and also because of their fear of possible armed conflict. However, the situation in the regions is very critical and marked by serious limitation in terms of basic social services and security. Situation in prisons and detention centres Ø The living conditions of detainees in prisons and detention centres in general have deteriorated considerably and a crisis over an insufficient food had to be dealt with as an emergency, through private donations by three organizations. Sanitation conditions at the have deteriorated due to lack of cleaning materials and temporary support is being provided through private donations. Medical care is also urgently needed although the established Protection Group is doing whatever possible to guarantee trough partnership those medical services are provided. Freedom of movement Ø Following the coup d’etat, the military command ordered several time to close the borders of the country (air, sea and land). Due to this fact people were obliged to remain in the country against their will. Ø In the last days, a list of 57 people, including members of the government and other authorities were prohibited to travel abroad until further instructions given by the military command and the minister of Justice and President of Supreme Court of Justice were forbidden to travel due to that list Social and economic rights Ø Ø Public Administration has paralysed, in particular, social and basic services, in particular schools, hospitals working in part-time with several limitations in terms of resources (human and material). Ø The water and power supply have not been delivered in a regular basis and most of the population had been prevented from potable water which could lead to several cases of contagious diseases such as cholera, which is very frequent during the raining season. Ø Due to the general paralysation of the state administration, Public workers salary has not been paid in April and the same scenario is likely to occur in May. This situation has had a huge negative impact in the purchasing power of the population and in the economic and financial environment. Ø Since the cashew nuts campaign is considered the main economical activity of Guinea Bissau, the coup d’état has impacted negatively in the success of the activity which will aggravate food crisis in the country, especially in the regions. Ø Recebido de Jorge Lopes Queta