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Gambia News : The Gambia condemns assassinations of Bissau-Guinean leader, army chief

A Radio Gambia news broadcast on Tuesday, citing a press release from the office of the president has expressed the government’s deep concern over Monday’s incident in Guinea Bissau during which President Vieira was shot dead by some renegade soldiers, a few hours after the killing of the army chief of staff General Batista Tagme Na Waie.

The radio cites the press release as saying that the assassination has happened at a time when a new government was trying to settle down and tackle the situation in Guinea Bissau.

It underscores the point that "the tragic death of the president and the army chief of staff is unacceptable and could have been avoided," the radio reports.

The release also says The Gambia and other friends of Guinea Bissau would work with ECOWAS, the African Union and the international community "to put a definitive end to the vicious circle of violence in Guinea Bissau."

It says that events in Guinea Bissau could undermine the serious efforts that are being made for national reconciliation noting that the tragic loss of two patriotic Guineans and African freedom fighters is a blow not only to Guinea Bissau but to the African continent as a whole.

"The Gambia government therefore urges the people of Guinea Bissau to forget the bitter past, reconcile, and look forward to a brighter and more prosperous future for all Bissau Guineans.

"The government and people of The Gambia convey deep condolences and sympathy to the government and people of Guinea Bissau in general and the bereaved families in particular," the release said.

The release concludes with the statement that The Gambia would spare no efforts "in ensuring peace and stability in Guinea Bissau in the interest of sub-regional peace and socio-economic development."