Gambiaj.com – (BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau) – The Minister of Interior and Public Order of Guinea-Bissau, Botche Candé, has ordered a complete replacement of the National Guard personnel assigned to secure Chinese mining company GMG International, following a violent attack on the company’s site in Block 12, Nhiquim, in the Suzana section of the Cacheu region.

The minister, visibly disheartened by the events that unfolded on Friday, criticized the National Guard for failing to prevent the incident, despite their presence on the ground. GMG International is involved in the exploration of heavy sands in the area.

“All the safety elements placed to protect GMG International will be replaced, not only to innovate but also because they failed to prevent what occurred,” Minister Candé announced during a visit to Suzana on Saturday.

He directly held accountable the governor of the Cacheu region, the administrator of the São Domingos sector, the commander of the National Guard, and the state security representative for not taking proactive steps to prevent the violence. He also ordered them to identify all local individuals involved in the attack, who are reportedly still at large.

“Everyone involved must be found and identified,” Candé said. Turning to the deputy administrator of the Suzana section, he issued an ultimatum: “You have two options—either remain at your post and cooperate, or step down.”

The minister revealed that the deputy administrator had reported being condemned and threatened for defending the Chinese company. “This is serious. We are dealing with facts, and those responsible must be held accountable,” he stressed.

Condemning the attack, Candé questioned the motives of the communities involved, highlighting that the government is actively working to improve infrastructure, education, and water access in the region—including roads linking Varela and São Domingos.

“If the government is striving to bring development to these communities, I fail to understand why they would destroy an initiative like this. A people cannot dream of progress while simultaneously sabotaging development,” he said. “This cannot be taken lightly.”

Though he commended some National Guard personnel for protecting the lives of the company’s Chinese staff and workers during the attack, he criticized them for not doing enough to prevent the destruction.

“It’s unacceptable to be armed and still unable to disperse a crowd. I’m not saying they should shoot to kill, but at least fire warning shots to the ground to deter them,” he said.

Company Speaks Out

Raimundo Infanda, administrator of GMG International, also spoke to the media, expressing deep frustration over the lack of adequate security. He said that despite filing formal complaints and offering financial support to National Guard officers, they were unable to prevent the attack.

“If they had even been equipped with tear gas, they could have acted to prevent the devastation. The entire company was reduced to ashes,” Infanda lamented. He added that this was not the first time the company had been targeted. “Previously, attackers wounded two workers with machetes. We even have the clubs used in these attacks as evidence.”

Infanda emphasized that the company has long engaged with local communities, including those in Varela, dating back to the prospecting phase. “We’ve always involved them in discussions, and we support the surrounding areas. Yet we remain vulnerable.”

Denial of Involvement

Meanwhile, Afonso Djatá, the administrator of the Suzana section, denied having any knowledge of the planning or execution of the invasion. “I am not aware of the case and have not participated in any meeting or initiative related to this attack,” he stated.

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to identify the perpetrators, restore order, and reinforce security in mining zones to ensure the safety of foreign and domestic investments that support regional development.