On Thursday 16 November 2023, Guinea-Bissau organised two ceremonies in the capital city to mark the 50th anniversary of its independence, which was proclaimed on 24 September 1973. The country established its national armed forces on 16 November 1973. The ceremony was presided over by Guinea-Bissau’s Head of State, General Umaro Sissoco Embaló, in the presence of several Heads of State and Government, including Prime Minister Victoire Tomégah-Dogbé, who deputized for the President of the Republic, H.E.M. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé.
The ceremonies, which took place on Avenue Amilcar Cabral in the capital city Bissau, named after the hero of Guinea-Bissau’s independence, was marked by President Embaló’s memorable speech. Other highlights of the celebrations include the decoration of several personalities and a military cum civilian parade.
In turn, platoons from various regiments of the Guinea-Bissau army marched past to the tunes of the armed forces brass band. The President of the Republic, General Umaro Sissoco Embaló, Supreme Chief of the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau gave them salute as they marched past to the cheers of invited guests and the general public in attendance.
On behalf of the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister congratulated President Embaló and the people of Guinea-Bissau for the celebrations.
Guinea-Bissau became a Portuguese colony in 1879 but gained independence on 24 September 1973. After 13 years of civil war, independence was unilaterally proclaimed by the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC).
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