Bissau, June 16, 2025 (Lusa) - The President of Guinea-Bissau has ordered the Minister of the Interior, Botche Candé, to confiscate the vehicles of anyone who knocks down lampposts on the country’s only motorway, built by China and inaugurated on Monday.
Addressing the country’s authorities, in the presence of the Chinese ambassador to Guinea-Bissau and members of the public, Umaro Sissoco Embaló said it was unacceptable for public transport drivers to “damage road infrastructure”.
“Anyone who smokes ’liamba’ (drugs) should stay at home. I warn the Minister of the Interior that anyone who runs over and damages a streetlight will have their car confiscated by the State, without even going to court,” warned Embaló.
The Guinea-Bissau President warned that the order also extends to the traffic police.
Umaro Sissoco Embaló stated that confiscated vehicles will be sold and the proceeds used to repair damage caused on public roads.
“We have to discipline this country. We have to have self-esteem. We have to have rules. No one can get drunk or high and then go racing on the motorway,” said Sissoco Embaló, who promised “not to stop the momentum” of public infrastructure construction.
On May 20, a ‘candonga’ (intercity public transport vehicle) from the city of Canchungo, in the north of the country, collided with a lamppost on the motorway, killing three people, according to the police.
Local residents claim that five people died in the accident.
Embaló has been visiting the interior of the country in what he describes as an “open presidency” to listen to the public, but his visits have been marked by inaugurations and announcements of public works in different locations.
In his meetings with the public, the head of state has taken the opportunity to announce the achievements he will make in the country during his second term, which he reaffirmed today is already guaranteed.
Legislative and presidential elections will be held simultaneously on November 23, 2024.
“It’s a matter of formalities, because I know I’ve already been given a second term,” Embaló told the crowd that attended today’s inauguration of the 8.2 kilometre stretch of road from Bissau airport to the town of Safim.
MB/AYLS // AYLS
Lusa
