The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau has expressed deep concern over the ongoing political crisis in the country and has called on the judiciary to swiftly create the necessary mechanisms for the trial of individuals suspected of involvement in an attempted coup d’état.

In a statement to journalists on Monday, April 1, 2024, Brigadier General Samuel Fernandes, the spokesperson for the General Staff, highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that delaying the trial could have serious consequences for the people of Guinea-Bissau.

The General Staff’s position comes after a visit to the Air Base and Mechanized Brigade units on 14th November, where they informed the military about rumors of an alleged coup attempt and urged them to refrain from engaging with politicians.

Brigadier General Fernandes also addressed misinformation circulating on social media, particularly regarding the alleged detention of the vice-chief of the Army General Staff, Baute Yante Na Man. He stressed the importance of the military staying away from partisan politics to maintain unity and stability in the country.

Echoing these sentiments, Mamadu Turé, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, emphasized the need for the military to distance themselves from politicians. He warned that taking up arms against one another is not a solution and only leads to further instability and imprisonment for soldiers.

Bauté Yanté Na Man, another senior commander of the Army who is often named as a supporter of the insurrection, denied the accusations against him, stating that he is not a violent person and is committed to peace in Guinea-Bissau. He called for evidence to support the allegations against him and warned against politicians inciting military uprisings without taking responsibility for the consequences.

The military leaders emphasized the importance of upholding the Constitution and the rule of law, urging all parties to work together to ensure peace and stability in Guinea-Bissau. They warned against the dangers of misinformation and political manipulation and called on the judiciary to act swiftly to address the current crisis.