By Lizzy Chirkpi
A member of Guinea-Bissau’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Manuel Nascimento Lopes, has apologised to the country’s military over comments he made during proceedings of the regional parliament following the military coup in the West African nation.
Lopes said his remarks about national development were made in the context of Guinea-Bissau’s political crisis and were not intended as criticism or an attack on the armed forces.
“If any member of the military feels offended by my comments in the Community Parliament, I offer my unqualified apologies,” Lopes said.
He stressed that he holds the military in high regard, noting that his relationship with the institution is also personal, as he is the son of a former general and freedom fighter.
“I have respect for all military officials in my country and worldwide,” he said.
Lopes said his longstanding ties with the military made it unlikely that he would deliberately make disparaging remarks about the armed forces.
“They know my value, and I know theirs. I stand by their side, and I have always done whatever I can to support them. This is not a hidden fact in Guinea-Bissau,” he added.
The lawmaker also reaffirmed his patriotism, saying he would not act against an institution responsible for defending the country.
“The rules and regulations of the armed forces are for us to comply with in defending our beloved country and our people. So why would I go out there and say something bad about our military? No,” he said.
Lopes appealed to anyone who may have interpreted his earlier comments as an attack on the military to consider the context in which they were made.
“If anyone in Guinea-Bissau feels offended, I apologise if they did not understand my comments. I love our military. There is no reason for me to turn against them or talk ill of them,” he said.
He also invoked his family’s history of service to Guinea-Bissau, saying, “The colleagues of my father fought for this country, and I fully support our armed forces. I belong to them, and I will not go against them. God bless Guinea-Bissau.”
The apology comes as Guinea-Bissau moves towards a return to constitutional democratic rule following the military takeover.
Lopes’ clarification is expected to help ease tensions surrounding his earlier remarks as the country navigates its political transition.
His apology followed comments he made during proceedings of the ECOWAS Parliament while discussing Guinea-Bissau’s political crisis and the country’s development after the military takeover. The remarks were apparently perceived by some as critical of the armed forces, prompting Lopes to clarify that he was addressing the prevailing political situation in his capacity as a parliamentarian and had no intention of disparaging or undermining the military.