President Vieira and Army Chief Na Waie, from different ethnic groups, were fierce rivals, and tension between the President's supporters and the country's military leaders has risen in recent weeks. There has been speculation that Vieira was responsible for the attack that killed Na Waie and that soldiers loyal to Na Waie killed the President in revenge. Most sources have also linked the attacks to Guinea-Bissau's status as a major hub in the international cocaine trade, and some have pointed to the likelihood that Colombian drug lords supplied the bomb that killed Na Waie.
A Portuguese colony until 1974, Guinea-Bissau is one of Africa's poorest, weakest, and most corrupt countries. It has had a volatile history, even by African standards, and most recently saw an attempted assassination of the President and failed coup in November 2008.
According to the nation's constitution, the head of parliament should now act as President and organize elections within 60 days. Though the military has pledged to abide by these laws and restore order, and has denied accusations that the attacks were a military coup, observers remain skeptical. There is also concern that ethnic tensions in Guinea-Bissau will rise and that the country's political power vacuum will make it even more appealing to drug cartels.
Time summed up these issues in "A Big Double Murder Jolts Africa's Cocaine Hub."
The Los Angeles Times provides similar information, as well as a photograph of the President's now-destroyed home, in "Guinea-Bissau President Assassinated."
The Associated Press released "Twin Assassinations Leave Guinea-Bissau in Turmoil," as well as "A Look at Guinea-Bissau's Instability."
BBC Africa offers a variety of articles, including "History of Crisis Haunts Guinea-Bissau" and "Obituary: President Vieira of Guinea-Bissau."
Hi Jen. Looked at your site. good job. Ray lipp
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