Fear and anxiety hit parts of Guinea Bissau on Monday following an attack by unknown assailants on a Radio Station in the nation’s capital.
Reports indicate that heavy gunfire was heard in the premises of a private radio station, Capital Radio, with equipment like its transmitter, mixing console, and computers destroyed during the incident.
The sound of gunshots sparked pandemonium in the area, forcing residents and commuters to flee and scamper for safety.
As of the time of filing this report, it has not been ascertained who perpetrated the attack and why. The radio station is an affiliate of the U.S international broadcaster, Voice of America (VOA).
The radio station was previously targeted by a group of assailants in July 2020 with property destroyed.
News Central reported that at least 11 persons were killed after soldiers attempted to overthrow Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco on February 1.
In apparent recall of the July 2020 attack the distraught Executive Director of Rádio Capital FM, Lassana Cassamá, lamented “They have destroyed the radio again.”
Many say, the latest attack has been encouraged by the lack of accountability for the previous one. Nonetheless, the station has reported the matter to the police for further action. The police has gone to the station to assess the extent of damage.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior has denied claims of government involvement in the attack. Speaking at a press conference hours after the incident, the Deputy Commissioner for Public Order at the Ministry, Salvador Soares, also dismissed allegations of government losing control of the law and order.
“The situation is already calm and people can go back to their daily lives”, the government official assured, adding that the attack is an “isolated incident”.
Heavy gunfire was heard near the President’s residence in Bissau sparking fears of a coup attempt in the West-African nation.
It is pertinent to mention that Guinea-Bissau has had nine attempted coups since it gained independence from Portugal in 1974.