Bafatá, 03 November, 2025 / 9:29 pm (ACI Africa).
The Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator of the Catholic Diocese of Bafatá in Guinea-Bissau has expressed concern about the growing use of hate-filled rhetoric on the campaign trail, ahead of the country's general elections scheduled for November 23.
In a statement issued November 2, Fr. Augusto Mutna Tamba describes the current political atmosphere as marked by “pain and concern,” urging both citizens and politicians to maintain serenity, respect, and responsibility ahead of the presidential and legislative elections.
Fr. Tamba observes “with sadness the growth of speeches loaded with hatred and resentment,” stressing that such divisive rhetoric undermines fraternity and peaceful coexistence among Bissau-Guineans.
“The pain we feel when we see brothers divided by political interests must be transformed into a commitment to reconciliation. Peace is the fertile soil where democracy grows,” the Pastoral Coordinator of Bafatá Diocese says in his message issued after the November 1 launch of campaigns for the general elections.
Fr. Tamba notes that democracy must reflect the sovereign will of the people and ensure the free participation of all political forces, as long as they respect the rule of law.
