Interior Minister Accuses PAIGC Leader of Alleged Assassination Plot Against Former President

Botche Cande

Gambiaj.com – (Bissau, Guinea-Bissau) – Botche Candé, the Minister of the Interior and Public Order, made explosive allegations on Monday, January 26, 2025, claiming that Domingos Simões Pereira, the leader of the African Independence Party of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), once requested him to kill José Mário Vaz (JOMAV), the former president of the Republic.

Speaking to reporters at the scene of a traffic accident in São Paulo, Bissau, Candé did not mince words. “If you are asked, say that I, Botche Candé, told you that Domingos Simões Pereira has asked me to kill JOMAV, José Mário Vaz,” he declared.

The minister’s remarks followed comments made by Pereira in an interview on a social media platform on Sunday, which Candé described as provocative.

Expanding on his accusation, Candé said, “Domingos Simões Pereira is one of the most dangerous politicians in Guinea-Bissau. He told me he would give me a piece of iron and a machete to slit JOMAV’s throat, claiming that only then could the country move forward. If this is a lie, let God strike me down. If it is true, may he [Domingos Simões Pereira] die.”

These statements have added fuel to the already fiery political landscape of Guinea-Bissau, with the Interior minister further criticizing the PAIGC leader’s track record. “When he was in government, what did he do for the country? Nothing,” Candé asserted, accusing Pereira of undermining progress and sowing discord.

Candé also expressed frustration with what he perceives as attempts to sabotage the current administration under President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. “Everyone has seen the transformation President Embaló has brought to Bissau Velho, the airport, and other areas of the country. Meanwhile, Domingos Simões Pereira has only brought tears to many people,” he said.

In a pointed challenge to the PAIGC, Candé urged the party to oust Pereira as its leader. He even suggested that if he had not formed the Guinean Workers’ Party (PTG), he might have returned to the PAIGC to take over its leadership.

Tougher Penalties for Public Infrastructure Damage

The minister also used the occasion to announce tougher penalties for damaging public infrastructure. Referring to a high-voltage electricity pole downed by a vehicle in São Paulo on Sunday, Candé warned that such incidents would now carry a fine of ten million CFA francs and a three-month prison sentence.

These accidents cause significant economic losses to the affected populations,” Candé stated. He added that the government would review and enforce regulations restricting heavy truck traffic on certain roads in Bissau to prevent further damage.

The allegations and policy announcements come at a time of heightened political tensions in Guinea-Bissau, with Candé’s explosive remarks likely to stir further controversy. Domingos Simões Pereira has yet to respond to the minister’s accusations.

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