Flavio Batica Ferreira, an opposition lawmaker in Guinea-Bissau, has been arrested during a ceremony allegedly linked to coup preparations. His detention raises questions about political motivations amidst an ongoing standoff with President Umaro Sissoco Embalo. The chaotic political climate hints at a deeper instability in the country, which has faced numerous coups since independence.
Authorities in Guinea-Bissau have apprehended opposition lawmaker Flavio Batica Ferreira during a mystic ceremony allegedly aimed at facilitating a coup. Ferreira, who holds dual nationality in Guinea-Bissau and France, was arrested on Sunday near Pitche, close to the Guinea-Conakry border. Alongside Ferreira, a self-proclaimed Muslim supernatural seer and two others were taken into custody during the purported sacrificial rites.
Currently held at the Ministry of the Interior in the capital, Bissau, Ferreira is a member of the opposition African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC). A source close to Ferreira indicated that rumors of a coup were prevalent, with claims that these mystical rituals were organized by those wishing to instigate such actions. Security officials are reportedly monitoring the situation closely.
Human rights activist Abubacar Ture has raised concerns that Ferreira’s arrest may be politically motivated, especially noting that Ferreira had previously articulated fears regarding his safety. “I believe the reason must be political,” Ture stated in a conversation with Portuguese radio, reflecting on Ferreira’s detention during the traditional ceremony.
This development unfolds amid a political standoff between the PAIGC and President Umaro Sissoco Embalo. The opposition contends that Embalo’s term should conclude on February 27, five years after he took office, yet the Supreme Court determined that his mandate extends until September 4, thereby rejecting the opposition’s claims. In December 2023, Embalo dissolved the opposition-controlled parliament following an alleged coup attempt, subsequently postponing legislative elections indefinitely.
Guinea-Bissau has a troubled history, having experienced multiple coups since gaining independence from Portugal in 1973. The arrest of Ferreira highlights the precarious nature of the nation’s current political landscape, raising serious questions about the motivations behind such actions and the implications for national stability.
The arrest of Flavio Batica Ferreira raises significant concerns regarding political motivations in Guinea-Bissau. While authorities claim the arrest is tied to preparations for a coup, activists suggest it is a targeted political maneuver. The ongoing standoff between the PAIGC and President Embalo further complicates the political climate, indicative of the country’s tumultuous history marked by repeated coups. This situation underscores the delicate balance of power and the potential for further unrest.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
