Guinea-Bissau Transitional Government Appoints New Army Chief, Lifts Restrictions

BISSAU, Xinhua: Guinea-Bissau’s transitional President Horta Inta-A on Thursday signed a presidential decree appointing Maj. Gen. Tomas Djassi as chief of the general staff of the armed forces.

According to a statement released by the Presidency’s Office of Communication and Public Relations, the appointment was made in accordance with the constitution and relevant laws, and the decree took effect immediately.

On the same day, the military, named “the High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order,” announced that, following an assessment of the current situation, the previously imposed movement restrictions and nationwide curfew would be lifted starting Friday.

The high military command noted that the earlier measures included a nationwide curfew beginning at 7:00 p.m. local time on Wednesday. With the transitional president now sworn in, it said conditions are considered ready to restore public order and normal social functioning.

The military reported that former President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, former Interior Minister Botche Cande, former Chief of the General Staff Biague Na Ntan, and former Deputy Chief of Staff Mamadou Toure are all in good health and remain under the supervision of the high military command until further notice.

The statement further said that all public and private schools, training centers, markets, commercial centers, and private institutions would resume normal operations immediately, while other public institutions, including government ministries, will return to work once the transitional government is formally established.

The high military command prohibited protests, demonstrations, strikes, and any activities that could affect national peace and stability.

Inta-A was sworn in as transitional president for a one-year term on Thursday, following the military’s declaration that it had fully assumed state authority.