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G/Bissau opposition against proposed stabilization force
Wednesday, 15 September 2010 01:04
Several opposition parties in Guinea-Bissau have voiced their opposition to the idea
of deploying a stabilization force in the West African country.The proposal was recently approved by the country's president, government, the ruling party PAIGC and the National Defense Council.
Guinea-Bissau's President Malam Bacai Sanha on Wednesday reaffirmed his agreement with the proposed a stabilization force in his country.
"The force will be composed of officers from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Community of Portuguese Language Speaking Countries (CPLP) and the African Union," he said.
The president reiterated that it will not be an occupational force, but a mission to support the government's efforts to construct a peaceful country.
"It will also support government actions to fight against drugs and impunity in the country," he declared.
Koumba Yala's Social Renewal Party (PRS), which is the biggest opposition with 28 deputies in parliament, has rejected the idea of bringing a foreign force into Guinea-Bissau.
Silvestre Alves of the Guinean Democratic Movement (MDG) insists that a stabilization force will not resolve the country's problems. On the contrary, he says, the country risks complicating the situation further due to the presence of foreign forces on its territory.
Arregado Mantenque Te of the Workers Party (PT) says Guinea- Bisau is not at war and that the idea of a stabilization force is not justifiable.
The Republican Party for Independence and Development (PRID) has categorically refused the sending of the troops to Guinea- Bissau.
It is only the ruling PAIGC, with 67 deputies in parliament, that has endorsed the idea of bringing in the troops.
The military, which has largely contributed to the country's instability through their actions, on Aug. 12 rejected the idea of deploying a foreign force.
"Personally, I do not agree with the idea of sending foreign forces to Guinea-Bissau, but I will be forced to go with the government decision on this issue," Prime Minister Gomes Junior said on the sidelines of a recent meeting of ECOWAS military chiefs.
The National Defense Council has agreed in principle to have the foreign forces within the country's territory.
On the streets, the majority of the people interviewed support the idea.
According to Mario Mbunde, 30, Guinea-Bissau needs a stabilization force to maintain peace and stability on its territory.
Mbunde, who is a farmer, said people do not have faith in the military since they have been the source of the instability and they only think of themselves instead of the interests of the entire nation.
Nicolau Gomes, 22, is a student. He said the population has become hostages of soldiers, who are mostly the drug traffickers.
But Djoncounda Sane was a little bit skeptical, thinking the sending of a stabilization force may not restore peace and stability and ensure security for the population.
The committee of ECOWAS military chiefs met in Bissau on Aug. 13, deciding to enforce the protection of institutions and people, including the president, the prime minister, the speaker of the National Assembly, the president of the Supreme Court, judges and ministers.
ECOWAS and the CPLP agreed to provide funds for the training of Guinea-Bissau's military units for such a protection.
According to President Sanha, Guinea-Bissau's parliament will this week finalize discussions on the issue of allowing a stabilization force in the country.
Source: Xinhua
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