Guinea-Bissau’s government has partially eased curbs on the activity of political parties imposed following a coup a year ago, but stopped short of allowing rallies.
The partial lifting of restrictions on the activities of political parties comes into effect on November 24, the high military command said in a statement on Friday.
Parties will be able to resume some meetings but they must inform the high military command beforehand, spokesperson Colonel Jaime Valentin told AFP.
The new regime does not apply to “political rallies, marches and street demonstrations”, he said.
‘Functioning of political organisations’
“The measure is aimed primarily at ensuring the functioning of political organisations without compromising national security and public order,” the statement said.
Guinea-Bissau’s ousted leader Umaro Sissoco Embalo told AFP that he would return from exile in Morocco and stand in the elections, but the government said that “security conditions” had not been met for his return.
Some of Embalo’s close associates have been removed from key positions in government.
The army took power in Guinea-Bissau days after the November 23, 3025 presidential vote. The transitional government has scheduled presidential and legislative elections for December 6, pledging a return to civilian rule.
