Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 07/2009

Guinea-Bissau: Beyond Rule of the Gun

June 2009

International Crisis Group

Abstract

"Guinea-Bissau: Beyond Rule of the Gun", the latest policy briefing from the International Crisis Group, warns that the killings of General Tagme (the chief of defence staff) and President Vieira in March, as well as the recent assassinations of opposition leaders and former ministers, are an indication the democratic process cannot cope. The military's use of force has overwhelmed state institutions. Both the political elites and the international community must send a strong message condemning the widespread abuses committed by the armed forces.