Carlos Junior Prime Minister of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. Date of Birth: 19.12.1949

1. Early Life and Career
2. Political Ascendancy
3. PAIGC Leadership and Prime Ministership
4. Dismissal and Exile
5. Return to Power
6. Current Situation

Early Life and Career

Carlos Gomes Júnior was born on December 19, 1949, on the island city of Bolama in Guinea-Bissau. He initially pursued a career in business, becoming a successful banker in the 1980s. By the early 1990s, he had amassed considerable wealth and established himself as one of the richest individuals in the country.

Political Ascendancy

In 1991, Gomes Júnior was elected to the National Assembly as a member of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC). In 1996, he became Vice-Speaker of the National Assembly and was also elected Second Secretary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Vice-President of the ECOWAS Inter-Parliamentary Committee.

PAIGC Leadership and Prime Ministership

Gomes Júnior's political influence grew steadily within the PAIGC. He held various party leadership positions, including president of the party's politburo in 1998, secretary for external affairs in 1999, and president of the PAIGC in 2002. In March 2004, the PAIGC won a majority in the National Assembly, and Gomes Júnior was appointed Prime Minister in May 2004.

Dismissal and Exile

Gomes Júnior's first term as Prime Minister was short-lived. After President João Bernardo Vieira's election, Gomes Júnior was dismissed and replaced by Aristides Gomes. In 2007, following the assassination of Navy Chief of Staff Mohammed Lamine Sanhá, Gomes Júnior accused President Vieira of involvement in the killing. He was subsequently charged with defamation and sedition, and an arrest warrant was issued against him. Gomes Júnior sought refuge in the UN compound in Guinea-Bissau and eventually fled the country.

Return to Power

In January 2008, the charges against Gomes Júnior were dropped. He returned to Guinea-Bissau and successfully ran for the National Assembly. On December 25, 2008, he was elected Prime Minister for a second time. He took office on January 2, 2009.

Current Situation

Despite the tragic events of March 1–2, 2009, in which Armed Forces Chief of Staff Tagmé Na Waié and President Vieira were assassinated, Gomes Júnior remains in office as Prime Minister. He continues to lead Guinea-Bissau through a challenging period, marked by political instability and economic difficulties.