Gambiaj.com – (BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau) – An alleged attempt to bribe a member of an ECOWAS recent military mission in Bissau has sparked controversy and prompted strong denials from Guinea-Bissau’s Transitional Council.
According to information reported by Portuguese state-owned public broadcaster RTP África and attributed to credible sources, a member of the mission, which is composed of military chiefs from several member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), discovered approximately 15 million CFA francs in his hotel room and immediately reported the incident to the head of the mission.
RTP Africa, citing sources, said hotel surveillance cameras allegedly revealed that an individual linked to the transitional government had entered the officer’s room before the money was found. The information was reportedly communicated to the transitional authorities with the expectation that an explanation would be provided.
The allegations triggered a swift reaction from the Transitional Council, which on Wednesday issued a strongly worded statement rejecting reports of any bribery attempt involving members of the ECOWAS mission.
In its press release, the council described the allegations as slanderous and defamatory. The statement also criticized RTP África journalist Paula Borges, who reported the alleged incident.
The Transitional Council further announced that the Guinean state had initiated action through the relevant authorities with a view to pursuing legal proceedings over the matter.
Despite the official denial, RTP África said it reaffirmed the accuracy of the information the radio provided regarding the alleged incident.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for Guinea-Bissau, where ECOWAS has remained engaged in efforts aimed at supporting political stability and constitutional order. No independent investigation findings have yet been released to substantiate or dismiss the allegations.
Leave a Reply