Abuja: Prime Minister Carlos Gomes Junior
of Guinea Bissau who was detained earlier on Thursday was released
by soldiers who threatened to kill him if there are any
solidarity rallies by his supporters.
Some soldiers had taken him hostage even as martial
music interrupted regular radio broadcasts giving an
impression of a military take over of government.
The head of the army, Zamora Induta remained in
detention at a military base.
Indunta`s deputy warned at a news conference that
any solidarity demonstration in favour of the prime minister
would have dire consequences.
"If the people continue to go out into the streets
to show their support for Carlos Gomes Jr., then I will kill
Carlos Gomes Jr. or I will send someone to kill him," Deputy
Chief of Staff General Antonio Indjai, said.
He was reacting to a crown that gathered on hearing
the new of the arrest of Gomes to express support and denounce
any coup on the West African nation.
The location of President Malam Bacai Sanha is yet
to be ascertained but diplomatic sources say he may not be
affected by the development.
Sources say soldiers had earlier invaded the United
Nations office in the West African country to arrest former
coup leader, Bubo Na Tchuto who is taking refuge there.
Tchuto was suspected to be the leader of a failed
2008 coup that led to the death of then president Joao
Bernardo Vieira.
He returned home from exile disguised like a
fisherman and has been staying inside the UN building.
The country got its independence from Portugal in
1974 and has had several coups. Former President Vierra was
killed in 2009 and another high ranking army officer died from
a bomb explosion.
An election was held later which brought Sanha to
power.
PTI
