GUINEA-BISSAU FREEZES TIES WITH CAPE VERDE AND THE BROTHERHOOD IS CRACKING
Guinea-Bissau has suspended political relations with Cape Verde, accusing its neighbour of interference in internal affairs.
The transitional authorities are furious after Cape Verde called for the release of opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira. He was detained on July 10 by a military court over allegations of involvement in an attempted coup in October.
A spokesman for the National Transitional Council said Cape Verde has no right to comment on Bissau’s political and judicial situation. He added that it is unprecedented shamelessness for a government to dictate rules to Guinean justice.
Cape Verde’s ruling party has historical ties to Pereira’s PAIGC party. The two countries fought a joint liberation struggle against Portuguese colonialism between 1961 and 1974. The PAIGC was founded to liberate both territories. The political union ended in 1981.
Pereira was previously under house arrest after being freed in January. He was moved back to prison after showing up for a court summons. His family says the allegations are politically motivated and he has not been put on trial.
The transitional authorities say the freeze does not affect diplomatic relations or the bond between the two peoples. But the message is clear: Cape Verde’s government is no longer welcome to speak on Bissau’s affairs.
The two nations share deep historical ties but the coup has strained everything. The military has been in power since November. An August constitutional referendum is on the horizon. The opposition is demanding its postponement.
A nation that fought for freedom together is now divided by power.