G.Bissau's former navy chief back in country: govt

AFP Global Edition | 2009-12-28 18:10:25

<div><p>Guinea-Bissau's former navy chief, accused of having led a 2008 failed coup bid, has returned to the country and taken refuge at a United Nations office, the government said Monday, vowing to arrest him.</p><p>A senior UN official confirmed to AFP that Jose Americo Bubo Na Tchute had arrived at the UN headquarters in Bissau Monday morning.</p><p>He had been living in exile in Gambia after having been accused of plotting a coup.</p><p>"It is with surprise that the government has learned of the clandestine return by sea of Admiral Jose Americo Bubo Na Tchute, from refuge in Gambia," said a cabinet statement after a special meeting to discuss the matter.</p><p>"The admiral will be arrested so that he can answer before justice the charges against him," the statement added.</p><p>The government was determined "to apply the law to ensure political stability and social peace."</p><p>As well as the coup plot, officials hold him responsible for the March 2009 bomb attack that killed General Batista Tagme Na Waie, the then chief of staff of the armed forces -- a charge he has denied.</p><p>The courts in Guinea-Bissau are also investigating allegations that Bubo Na Tchute, 67, has been involved in the country's cocaine trade, said judicial officials.</p><p>Bubo Na Tchute fled to neighbouring Gambia with his close personal guard after being accused of having been behind a failed coup in August 2008 against the then president Joao Bernardo Vieira.</p><p>Vieira was subsequently assassinated by soldiers in March 2009, apparently in revenge for the killing of Tagme Na Waie.</p><p>In Gambia, Bubo Na Tchute lived in a villa protected by Gambian security forces as well as his own personal guard.</p><p>Giving clandestine interviews, Bubo Na Tchute has denied any involvement in the assassination of Tagme Na Waie, though he has expressed relief at the death of the officer whom he blamed for his woes.</p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=66076686&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>


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