Guinea-Bissau authorities have arrested opposition lawmaker Flavio Batica Ferreira during an alleged mystical ceremony linked to coup attempts. Ferreira’s detention has sparked claims of political motivation amid ongoing tensions between the opposition and President Umaro Sissoco Embalo. The situation highlights the ongoing political crisis in the country.
Authorities in Guinea-Bissau have apprehended opposition lawmaker Flavio Batica Ferreira in connection with an alleged mystical ceremony aimed at facilitating a coup. Ferreira, who holds dual Bissau-Guinean and French citizenship, was taken into custody on Sunday near Pitche, close to the Guinea-Conakry border. Alongside him, a self-identified Muslim supernatural seer and two other individuals were also arrested.
A reliable source associated with Ferreira reported that he is currently detained at the Ministry of the Interior in Bissau. According to a security official, “Rumours of a coup abound. Those who want to instigate them organised mystical ceremonies and made sacrifices to ensure their success,” indicating that authorities are carefully observing the situation.
Critics, including human rights activist Abubacar Ture, argue that Ferreira’s detention appears politically motivated, noting his previous statements expressing safety concerns. Ture mentioned, “I believe the reason must be political,” highlighting that Ferreira was arrested during a traditional ceremony.
The circumstances surrounding Ferreira’s arrest arise amid a persistent political impasse between the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) and President Umaro Sissoco Embalo. The PAIGC asserts that Embalo’s presidential term concluded on February 27, 2025; in contrast, the Supreme Court upheld that his term extends until September 4, a ruling rejected by the opposition.
In December 2023, President Embalo dissolved the parliament, which was controlled by the opposition, following what he referred to as an attempted coup. Since then, he has postponed legislative elections indefinitely. Historically, Guinea-Bissau has experienced numerous coups since its independence from Portugal in 1973.
The arrest of Flavio Batica Ferreira underscores escalating tensions in Guinea-Bissau’s political landscape, marked by allegations of coup-related activities and a controversial ruling on the presidential mandate. As the opposition calls the legality of President Embalo’s rule into question, the nation finds itself in a precarious situation, amidst potential unrest. The incident reflects ongoing struggles for power within the country’s political sphere, warranting close scrutiny.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
