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President of Guinea-Bissau Assassinated

West African leader reportedly killed by army in a hail of bullets

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 2, 2009 6:49 AM CST

(Newser) – The president of the West African republic of Guinea-Bissau was shot dead today, reportedly by soldiers. The Times of London reports that João Bernardo Vieira was assassinated only hours after the head of the army died in a bomb attack. While it's unclear whether a coup is taking place, the violent outbreak follows weeks of tension between the army and the president.

This weekend army officers entered the headquarters of two private radio stations and ordered them to end broadcasts "for the security of the journalists." Though Vieira was democratically elected, Guinea-Bissau has been politically unstable in recent years. Latin-American drug gangs have moved in, smuggling cocaine to Europe through the country's poorly policed coastline and airfields.

Navy Seal Mohamed Camara Tawal stands on a street corner in central Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, July 18, 2007.
Navy Seal Mohamed Camara Tawal stands on a street corner in central Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, July 18, 2007.   (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Guinea-Bissau's president, Joao Bernardo Nino Vieira, was assassinated today a day after the country's army chief died in a bomb attack.
Guinea-Bissau's president, Joao Bernardo "Nino" Vieira, was assassinated today a day after the country's army chief died in a bomb attack.   (AP Photo/Thierry Charlier, File)
In this Thursday, July 28, 2005 file photo, Guinea-Bissau President Joao Bernardo Nino Vieira stands with his wife Isabel Romano Vieira shortly after his electoral victory was announced.
In this Thursday, July 28, 2005 file photo, Guinea-Bissau President Joao Bernardo "Nino" Vieira stands with his wife Isabel Romano Vieira shortly after his electoral victory was announced.   (AP Photo, File)
Geography is only part of Guinea-Bissau's appeal for traffickers trying to get cocaine to Europe. They also need a largely unaware population and a weak, easily corruptible government.
Geography is only part of Guinea-Bissau's appeal for traffickers trying to get cocaine to Europe. They also need a largely unaware population and a weak, easily corruptible government.   (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Guest
Mar 2, 2009 2:56 AM CST
I'll say it again--listening, FBI?--clroger is the guy who boasted of stockpiling ammunition since Obama was elected. (Is it time for someone to drop a dime on this puke?)
BackAgain
Mar 2, 2009 12:24 AM CST
A President must be careful these days.
Forderon
Mar 1, 2009 10:53 PM CST
Great. Just great.

More Newser Stories

Leaders Fly to Guinea-Bissau to Prevent Coup

Chaos Reigns in Guinea as Coup Leaders Assert Power

In Coup-Torn Guinea, Women Raped in Public

African Union Suspends Madagascar

Army Seizes Power After Guinea's Dictator Dies


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