Factional struggle within ruling African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) deepened; parliament’s 28 Jan adoption of govt program, in vote boycotted by opposition and fifteen PAIGC dissidents, avoided govt dissolution, but political institutions remain fragile. Following PM Correia’s 23 Dec failure to win majority, a second failure to adopt program would have entailed, under constitution, dismissal of government. Leading opposition Party for Social Renewal (PRS) argued constitution required second vote be held 5 Jan, but PAIGC delayed it until 18 Jan. PRS responded to delay by denouncing Correia’s govt as unconstitutional. PAIGC 14 Jan voted to exclude its fifteen dissident MPs from party. Parliament committee 15 Jan cancelled dissidents’ mandates, and PAIGC replaced the MPs. PAIGC dissidents 18 Jan defied ruling and attended National Assembly session, prompting dominant PAIGC faction to suspend session; PRS and dissident PAIGC MPs continued session, voted to install new assembly leadership with PRS President Alberto Nambeia named speaker. Bissau court 27 Jan confirmed dissident MPs had lost their mandate.

PM Correia 11 Dec presented new govt program amid ongoing tensions with President Vaz, following month-long dispute over composition of govt. Correia failed to obtain majority in 23 Dec parliamentary vote, as opposition Party for Social Renewal (PRS) and 15 MPs of ruling African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) abstained. Failure of second vote, due within two weeks, would result in fall of government.

Supreme Court 11 Nov ordered release of ex-army chief José Zamora Induta, detained for attempts against constitutional order, terrorism and conspiracy, citing expiration of his remand period; Induta released 14 Nov. UN and ECOWAS continued to pursue plans for govt stability pact amid ongoing tensions between President Vaz on one side, and ruling African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) and PM Correira on the other.

Tensions between President Vaz and former PM Pereira persisted following Pereira’s mid-Aug dismissal. Cabinet agreed 12 Oct, with notable vacancies for posts of minister of internal administration and minister of natural resources, following initial rejection by President Vaz of cabinet list proposed by Pereira’s ally PM Correia and ensuing constitutional dispute over authority to designate ministers. Former Chief of Staff Zamora Induta indicted by military justice over Oct 2012 attack on military barracks near Bissau airport in attempted coup.

Supreme Court 9 Sept ruled PM Dja’s appointment by President Vaz following mid-Aug sacking of former PM Pereira was unconstitutional, said constitution requires President to consult with dominant party before designating PM. Vaz dismissed Dja same day; 17 Sept appointed sole candidate proposed by ruling PAIGC, former VP Carlos Correira; opposition Party for Social Renewal (PRS) 29 Sept refused to join PM Correira’s cabinet. Former chief of staff Zamora Induta transferred from house arrest to Mansoa military prison 22 Sept.

President Vaz 12 Aug sacked PM Pereira following accusation of lies, lack of transparency, lack of policy results and obstruction of justice; new PM Baciro Dja sworn in 20 Aug. Parliament 24 Aug adopted resolution demanding Dja resign. Ruling African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) 15 Aug attempted to reappoint Pereira as PM, accused Vaz of “constitutional coup” following his rejection or Pereira’s reappointment. Pereira and some thousand supporters protested 17 Aug in Bissau calling for his restitution. Armed forces chief of staff General Biague Nantan 10 Aug promised military would refrain from intervening in political affairs.

PM Pereira confirmed 2 July following National Assembly’s unanimous vote of confidence 25 June. Investigation into alleged corruption by FM Mario Lopes da Rosa, reported adversary of President Vaz and ally of Pereira, continued, Lopes da Rosa stripped of diplomatic passport. Council of Ministers 15 July accused judiciary of bias following launch of investigation, called for debate on role and functioning of judiciary.

Sec of State for Communities Idelfrides Fernandes, member of ruling African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) and allegedly close associate of PM Pereira, detained 4 June over suspected role in trafficking diplomatic passports; released on bail. Commission for constitutional revision inaugurated 12 June. PAIGC 20-21 June internal meeting allowed Pereira to solidify his prominent position within party. Pereira critic Baciro Dja resigned from cabinet 23 June; Pereira 25 June received unanimous vote of confidence from National Assembly.

Re-election 10 May of controversial figure Braima Camara, key advisor to President Vaz, to Chamber of Commerce presidency sparked small but violent protests; govt 14 May dismissed heads of National Guard and public order police, known for ties to former chief of staff Antonio Injai, possibly over handling of protests. Judiciary 20 May cancelled Camara’s re-election following accusations by opponents he was involved in embezzlement, rumours of corruption.

PM Pereira 7 April held meeting on consultative group on 25 March roundtable where international donors pledged some $1.5bn aid, announced establishment of follow-up mechanism.