September 7, 2023 – Bissau
In a move aimed at strengthening his administration’s security apparatus, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau has appointed two new officials to key security roles. The appointments, which took effect on Monday, signify a significant development for a nation historically accustomed to political instability and coups.
Generals Tomas Djassi and Horta Inta have assumed pivotal positions in the country’s leadership structure, with General Djassi appointed as the head of presidential security and General Inta taking on the role of chief of staff of the President of the Republic. Notably, these positions had remained vacant for several decades, and their filling underscores the government’s commitment to bolstering security.
Despite recent coup d’état events in nearby African nations, President Embalo emphasized that his decision to appoint new security officials was not directly linked to these incidents. Instead, he conveyed a strong message of stability and security within Guinea-Bissau.
“To speak seriously, I reassure you that there will be neither February 2 nor February 3. Any suspicious movement will have an adequate response,” President Embalo affirmed, quashing concerns of potential unrest within his administration.
The President’s proactive stance and his commitment to ensuring security and stability in Guinea-Bissau provide hope for a nation that has, in the past, faced political turmoil. With these new security appointments, President Embalo signals his intent to maintain control and safeguard the democratic process in the country.
