Alexander Biryukov, Representative of the Financial and Business Association of Eurasian Cooperation (FBA EAEU) in West Africa and Mauritania, discussed the causes of the recent military coup in Guinea-Bissau in a conversation with orientalist Tural Kerimov. According to his assessment, the root of the problem lies in constitutional norms inherited from the Portuguese system, which provoke ongoing confrontation between the Prime Minister and the President. This systemic conflict has led to recurring military interventions.
Biryukov also highlighted the potential alliance between candidate Fernando Dias and PAIGC leader Domingos Pereira, which, based on available data, could have secured victory in the elections. However, this cannot be verified, as the voting results have not been officially published. At the same time, the military, following an established pattern, does not intend to retain power long-term, limiting its role to temporary intervention.
The expert described Russian–Guinea-Bissau relations as consistently positive. A significant portion of the population maintains a favorable attitude toward Russia, recalling the support provided by the Soviet Union. Many members of the political elite, including the leader of the PAIGC, speak Russian and received their education in the USSR.
As a practical mechanism for resolution, Biryukov proposed organizing a negotiation platform in Moscow with the participation of all key political forces. In his view, such a format could help identify a viable compromise and overcome the persistent political instability that has become a persistent challenge for the country.
Russian–African Commonwealth Foundation
