The head of the Guinean Armed Forces, Biaguê Na N’Tan, ruled out the scenario of convulsions in the country that go beyond the police to the point of the military intervening, but urged politicians to better understand the Constitution.
In a long interview with Lusa, with no restrictions on questions, General Na N’Tan said that, contrary to what is speculated in the country, he does not expect political upheavals that could degenerate into violence.
“No, I don’t think so. I don’t think so. I’m not expecting this situation. Where will this situation emerge that could go beyond the police to reach the Armed Forces? I don’t know”, declared the Chief of the General Staff of the Guinean Armed Forces.
Na N’Tan, 74, stated, however, that the Armed Forces are prepared and always alert about their role, within the scope of the Constitution, which gives them the defense of territorial integrity as their mission.
“This is the priority of priorities. But I am still here to guarantee the stability of Guinea-Bissau, despite what is said, but I think that peace must prevail. My priority is peace and tranquility”, highlighted.
The general, who has been in the Armed Forces since 1963, advised politicians to better study the Constitution – which he vows never to disrespect – when they ask him to be more forceful with the President of the Republic.
“The President of the Republic is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. At no time can the Chief of the General Staff tell the President of the Republic that I am going to call a meeting in which he will have to participate. After all, who is in charge of the other?”, he asked .
Opponents of the regime of Guinean President Umaro Sissoco Embaló have accused the Armed Forces, particularly General Na N’Tan, of “passivity” in the face of alleged arbitrariness and violations of the Constitution by the head of State.
Calls for the Armed Forces to call those who hold political power to reason have been a constant in recent years in Guinea-Bissau.
The political class also accuses the Armed Forces of endorsing the bans on freedom of expression decreed by the Government and also the kidnappings and beatings of opponents of the regime.
To them, Biaguê Na N’Tan responds that the Armed Forces will only be able to intervene in matters of public security in a state of siege and under direct orders from the Supreme Commander, in the case of the President.
In “normal” situations, in the general’s view, it is up to the Ministry of the Interior to guarantee people’s safety, including surveillance of political leaders’ homes.
Biaguê Na N’Tan stressed, insistently, that the head of the Armed Forces is appointed by the President of the Republic to comply with the rules established in the Constitution, but, at no time, can the military intervene in issues of a political nature in the country.
“If I’m intervening in politics, it’s because I’m not Chief of Staff” of the Armed Forces, he concluded.
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