Guinea-Bissau President Bolsters Security Amidst Coup Concerns
Amidst growing concerns over coup attempts in Africa, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau has taken proactive steps to fortify his personal security. He recently appointed two new officials to key security positions, and they officially assumed their duties on Monday.
General Tomas Djassi has been entrusted with the crucial role of heading the presidential security detail, while General Horta Inta assumes the role of the president’s chief of staff. Notably, these positions have remained vacant within the government’s structure for several decades.
The swearing-in ceremony of Djassi and Inta, which took place at the presidential palace, underscores President Embalo’s commitment to strengthening his security apparatus in light of the recent coup attempts that have unfolded in neighboring African nations.
Guinea-Bissau has a history marked by four military coups since gaining independence in 1974, with the most recent occurring in 2012. Notably, in February 2022, an attempt was made to overthrow President Embalo.
Addressing reporters, President Embalo acknowledged the disconcerting trend of coup attempts executed by presidential security officers in different African countries. He made it clear that his administration would respond decisively to any suspicious activities, highlighting his unwavering determination to safeguard stability and democratic governance.
General Djassi, prior to this appointment, served as the head of the national guard, a distinguished elite unit of the army that played a pivotal role in thwarting the 2022 coup attempt. General Inta, on the other hand, had previously held the influential position of head of the central police station in Bissau.
The decision to bolster security measures by President Embalo is a testament to the mounting concerns surrounding coup attempts within the region. In a recent warning, he emphasized that coups, such as the one in Niger, pose a significant threat to the stability and cohesion of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). He stressed the imperative of upholding legitimate leadership in member countries to ensure regional stability and progress.
