Guinea Bissau’s top army official says the country’s navy chief has been arrested for trying to overthrow the government. Army General Antonio Indjai says Rear-Admiral Bubo Na Tchuto tried to carry out a military coup early Monday, when rebel soldiers stormed the armed forces headquarters in the capital, Bissau. Indjai and Tchuto were often at […]
Guinea Bissau Navy Chief Accused of Coup Attempt
Troops Fire Weapons in Guinea Bissau Capital
There is a heavy military presence in Guinea Bissau’s capital after reports that factions within the military opened fire, prompting the prime minister to seek refuge in a foreign embassy. Witnesses say armed troops from different military units were patrolling the streets of Bissau, including near the home of Prime Minister Carlos Gomes. Diplomats said […]
Guinea-Bissau President Hospitalized in Paris
Guinea-Bissau President Malam Bacai Sanha has been hospitalized in Paris. Media reports say the leader of the West African country has been in France for several days after being transported from Senegal, where he underwent a check up for an undisclosed condition. President Sanha’s health has been a concern since taking office two years ago. […]
Human Rights Groups: EQ Guinea Referendum Discredited
Human rights groups are questioning the validity of Sunday’s referendum in Equatorial Guinea, which officials say resulted in near unanimous support for proposed constitutional reforms. New York-based Human Rights Watch and Equatorial Guinea’s EQ Justice said Tuesday some polling places did not even have ballots available that would have registered a “no” vote. Voters, observers, […]
Voters Backing Constitutional Change in Equatorial Guinea
Officials in Equatorial Guinea say voters have given virtually unanimous support to proposed constitutional reforms. The government says about 99 percent of voters backed new presidential term limits and the creation of a vice presidency in Sunday’s referendum. The results Monday covered a little more than half of the vote. Final results are expected Wednesday, […]
Equatorial Guinea Votes in Constitution Referendum
Equatorial Guineans have voted in a referendum on constitutional reforms the opposition denounces as a charade. If the changes are approved in Sunday’s vote, the country’s president would be limited to two seven-year terms. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema’s government says the new constitution will also provide better oversight over the executive branch, improve human rights […]
Equatorial Guinea Votes in Constitution Referendum Sunday
Equatorial Guineans will vote on a referendum to the constitution Sunday that would limit the country’s president to two seven-year terms. Those opposing the measure say it provides additional authority to President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, who already wields influence over the legislative and judicial branches of the tiny west African country. President Obiang’s government says […]
Senegal Closes Airspace to Guinea Flights
A diplomatic spat between Guinea and Senegal has escalated with Senegal now banning all airplanes traveling to and from Guinea from flying in its airspace. Senegal’s ministry of transportation announced the ban Tuesday. The statement said the decision came after Guinea grounded a Senegal Airlines flight in Conakry, reportedly over unpaid fees owed by the […]
US Looks to Seize Property Stolen by Son of Equatorial Guinea President
The U.S. Justice Department has filed two separate suits aimed at seizing $71 million in property allegedly stolen by the son of Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang. U.S. authorities allege that Teodorin Obiang used his job as a government minister to embezzle, steal and extort more than $100 million from Equatorial Guinea and launder the […]
Ban Urges Cooperation Against West African Pirates
U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon is calling for coordinated action against pirates who pose an increasing threat to shipping in the Gulf of Guinea. The secretary-general spoke Wednesday at a U.N. Security Council meeting called to discuss piracy in the gulf, located off the southern coast of west Africa. Pirates have attacked about 20 ships in […]