Just days after the military coup that halted the presidential election results, Guinea-Bissau’s transitional government is reeling from immediate internal instability, as a public refusal and a resignation were announced, increasing pressure on the new civilian-military coalition.
On Saturday, Major General Horta Inta-a, the president of the transitional government, was forced to appoint two new officials swiftly following the twin blows: the resignation of Elisio Gomes Sa and the public refusal of Catarina Taborda to serve in the cabinet led by Prime Minister Ilidio Vieira Te.
The presidential decree published on Sunday, November 30, confirmed the appointments: Augusto Fernando Cabi was named Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, replacing Ms. Taborda. Alberto João Djata was appointed Secretary of State for Budget and Fiscal Affairs, succeeding Mr. Gomes Sa.
Both high-profile departures occurred within 24 hours of the transitional cabinet’s composition being announced.
Elisio Gomes Sa, who describes himself as a “non-political citizen,” cited “personal and political reasons” for his withdrawal, claiming he had not been consulted before his appointment and did not wish to hold a government position. Catarina Taborda’s refusal was announced on social media, where she firmly stated she was “not part of the government,” though she affirmed her commitment to continuing to serve the country “with integrity and responsibility.”
The transitional government was formed following the November 26 coup and is structured as a civilian-military coalition. Key military figures include General Mamasaliu Embalo (Minister of the Interior) and General Stive Lassana Manssaly (Minister of Defense).
Meanwhile, former president Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who was evacuated to Dakar with Senegalese support after the coup, was reportedly sighted in Brazzaville on Saturday, though this information remains unconfirmed by official sources. The nation remains gripped by acute political uncertainty as the new administration attempts to consolidate power.
AC/fss/abj/APA