SOS projects in Guniea-Bissau forced to close following political assassinations

Three former ministers, one of them a serious candidate for the upcoming presidential elections, have been assasinated in Guinea-Bissau. SOS schools, the Social Centre and administrative offices will remain closed until the situation settles. However, the three Children's Villages will carry on looking after the children even though these facilities may be closed.

According to the State radio in Guinea-Bissau, Baciro Dabo, a government minister who was to be a candidate in Guinea-Bissau's presidential election, was killed by gunmen early this morning (Friday 5 June 2009). He was a close ally of Vieira and was seen as a candidate with a strong chance of winning the elections, to be held on the 28th of June.

Our SOS colleagues from the National Office in Bissau contacted us earlier to inform us that the situation looked calm in the morning; schools, administration and shops were functioning. However, the State radio later informed that two other former ministers, as well as two other men accompanying one of them, had also been killed. Many are now taking the decision to close businesses (banks for instance) and Mr Medina, the National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Guinea-Bissau, said they would also close all SOS schools, the Social Centre and offices until the situation calms down.

Earlier this year, the President of the country, Joao Bernardo "Nino" Vieira, and the chief of the military forces had also been assassinated. Ever since, and considering the instability the country faces, Mr Medina has requested to cancel all working visits to Guinea-Bissau until after the elections. SOS programmes have remained alert and are always ready (in terms of food, fuel, etc.) to face a change of situation or curfews.