Guinea-Bissau commemorated both the 50th anniversary of the formation of the nation’s armed forces and its 50th anniversary of independence on Thursday.
There were several heads of state in attendance, including those from Nigeria, the Congo, the Comoros, and the erstwhile colonizers Portugal. The ceremony was marked by a civil and military parade.
In addition, the twin anniversary recognized the birth of liberation hero Amilcar Cabral, who is honored in both Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde, one hundred years ago. Just a few months before Guinea-Bissau declared its independence on September 24, 1973, Cabral passed away.
In his address, President Umaru Sissoco paid tribute to all those “who have contributed to the country’s independence”.
