General Na N’Tan said that, contrary to speculation in the country, he does not expect political upheavals that could degenerate into violence, but affirmed that the Armed Forces are prepared.
The head of the Guinean Armed Forces, Biaguê Na N’Tan, ruled out a 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, without restrictions on questions, General Na N’Tan stated that, contrary to speculation in the country, he does not expect political unrest that could degenerate into violence.
“No, I don’t think so. I don’t think so. I don’t expect this situation. How far will this situation go beyond the police and reach the Armed Forces? I don’t know”declared the Chief of the General Staff of the Guinean Armed Forces.
Na N’Tan, 74, said: However, the Armed Forces are prepared and always alert about their rolewithin the scope of the Constitution, which gives them the mission of defending territorial integrity.
“This is the priority of priorities. But I am still here guaranteeing the stability of Guinea-Bissau, despite what is said, but I believe that peace must prevail. My priority is peace and tranquility.“, he highlighted.
The general, in the Armed Forces since 1963, advised politicians to better study the Constitution – which he swears to never disrespect – when he asked 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 Staff tell the President of the Republic that I will 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, in particular General Na N’Tan, of “passivity” in the face of alleged arbitrariness and violations of the Constitution by the head of state.
Calls to the Armed Forces to bring those in political power to their senses have been a constant in recent years in Guinea-Bissau.
The political class also accuses the Armed Forces of guaranteeing the prohibitions on freedom of expression decreed by the Government and also the kidnappings and beatings of opponents. to 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 this case the President.
In “normal” situations, in the general’s opinion, it is up to the Ministry of the Interior to guarantee the security of people, including the surveillance of the homes of political leaders.
Biaguê Na N’Tan insistently highlighted that the head of the Armed Forces is appointed by the President of the Republic to comply with the norms established in the Constitution, but, at no time, can the military intervene in matters of a political nature. in the country.
“If I am intervening in politics it is because I am not Chief of Staff” of the Armed Forces, he concluded.
Source: Observadora
