Guinea-Bissau coupists attempted to kill the President, Minister tells Buhari

By MUIDEEN OLANIYI

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guinea-Bissau, Suzi Barbosa, has said the coupists attempted to kill President Umaru Sissoco Embalo.

The Senior Minister said this Sunday morning while briefing President Muhammadu Buhari on the coup attempt to oust President Embalo but which was aborted by loyalist forces.

She gave graphic presentation of the attempt to overthrow the constitutional order in her country at a meeting on the sidelines of the African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government holding in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

“They attempted to kill President Embalo. They destroyed the presidential palace with bazookas, killed 11 young people. It took about five hours to restore order. It was a nightmare ,” she said during the comprehensive briefing.

President Buhari, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, promised to consult with other ECOWAS leaders on how full normalcy could be restored to the embattled country at the shortest possible time.

Meanwhile, Buhari has urged the Ethiopian leader to stay focused on keeping the country together in spite of the difficulties.

The president spoke Sunday during a meeting with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at the Headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Buhari assured that Nigeria will continue to support efforts in peaceful co-existence and unity.

He commended the efforts of the Prime Minister in maintaining peace and unity in the country, and dedication to ensuring fairness and justice in development.

“You are leading a country that is large and diversified, just like Nigeria, and I know the sacrifices required to make desired impact, especially in maintaining peace,” the President said.

The president said Ahmed had provided strong leadership for the country, encouraging him to sustain the good work in ensuring even development.

In his remarks, the Prime Minister thanked the President for support to the country over the years, on national and personal endeavours, particularly in encouraging unity and stability.

Ahmed said the African continent had been slow in growth due to conflicts, adding that the larger economies, like Nigeria and Ethiopia, should provide the leadership that will deepen progress and prosperity on the continent.

The Prime Minister said the resurgence of coups on the continent could further weaken institutions and reverse the gains of democracy, appreciating President Buhari for his position on zero tolerance for military interference in governance.

Ahmed said collective and visionary leadership will move Africa forward. (Daily Trust)