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Malam Bacai Sanhá

Malam Bacai Sanhá was a notable Guinea-Bissau politician who served as President from September 2009 until his death in January 2012. A member of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), he previously held the role of President of the National People's Assembly from 1994 to 1999 and acted as President from May 1999 to February 2000 after the ousting of João Bernardo Vieira.

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MALAM BACAI SANHA

Malam Bacai Sanhá was born on May 5, 1947, in the Quinara region of Guinea-Bissau to a Muslim family. His political journey was closely intertwined with the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC). Throughout his career, Sanhá held various significant roles, including serving as governor of the Gabú and Biombo regions. His political prominence continued to grow, leading to his appointment as the President of the National People's Assembly in 1994.

In 1998, when a civil war erupted between forces loyal to General Ansumane Mane and those backing President João Bernardo Vieira, Sanhá played a crucial role. During this period, he criticized both sides but directed more of his criticism toward President Vieira. Following Vieira's removal from office on May 7, 1999, a military junta appointed Sanhá as acting president on May 11, a role he took on in accordance with constitutional provisions. He promised to restore peace and end political persecution, formally assuming the presidency on May 14, 1999, until new elections could be held.

In the presidential elections later that year, Sanhá emerged as a prominent candidate. He placed second in the first round with 23.37% of the vote but lost to Kumba Ialá in the run-off in January 2000, receiving 28.0% of the vote. Despite the military junta's backing, he couldn't secure the presidency at that time. He continued to be active in politics and contested the 2005 elections after a military coup ousted Ialá in 2003. Although he led the first round with 35.45% of the vote, Sanhá narrowly lost the run-off to João Bernardo Vieira, with 47.65% against Vieira's 52.35%. Sanhá did not accept the result and pledged to challenge it in the Supreme Court.

In 2008, Sanhá sought to lead PAIGC but lost the bid to Carlos Gomes Junior during the party's congress. Despite this setback, he remained a significant figure within the party and in national politics. His persistence paid off in the 2009 presidential elections, where he won the first round and subsequently defeated Kumba Ialá in the run-off. Sanhá took office as president on September 8, 2009, and vowed to address the political violence that had marked the country, including the investigation into the 2009 killings of Army Chief Batista Tagme Na Waie and President Vieira. His tenure also focused on tackling issues such as crime, drug trafficking, and corruption.

Sanhá faced ongoing health challenges, particularly diabetes, which affected him throughout his presidency. In late 2009, he postponed a planned visit to Portugal due to health complications and was subsequently treated in Dakar, Senegal, and Paris, France. He spoke openly about his diabetes, attempting to assure the public that his condition was manageable. However, he continued to spend time in hospitals in Dakar and Paris for medical care, which led to periods of absence from his duties in Bissau.

On January 9, 2012, Malam Bacai Sanhá passed away in Paris at the age of 64. His passing was met with national mourning, and the government declared a seven-day mourning period with flags at half-mast and a suspension of public festivities. Following his death, the constitution required an election within 90 days to elect a new president, and Raimundo Pereira, the President of the National People's Assembly and a fellow PAIGC member, took over as acting president during this transition.

Reference:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malam_Bacai_Sanh%C3%A1

GOVERNING TIME LINE

Malam Bacai Sanhá was President of Guinea-Bissau from September 8, 2009, until his death on January 9, 2012. He assumed office after winning the election following the assassination of João Bernardo Vieira and focused on stabilizing the country. Sanhá's term ended due to health complications that led to his passing while in office.

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