GUINEA BISSAU: REBELS STEP UP PRESSURE AGAINST SENEGALESE TROOPS

(17 Jul 1998) Natural Sound

Fighting continues in Guinea Bissau where factions of the military have broken off to form their own rebel government.

The rebels are attacking forces loyal to the country's actual government.

They say they'll fight until their aim - the resignation of President Joao Bernardo Vieira - is achieved.

In the past four days - the rebel soldiers have gained territory through various attacks in areas surrounding the capital.

Rebel soldiers have stepped up their pressure against Senegalese troops in Guinea Bissau.

Hundreds of citizens have evacuated the area around the capital city, Bissau.

Thousands have been displaced by fighting over the past month and a half, and there appears to be little sign of respite.

Soldiers from both sides of the conflict have been looting residential homes and businesses following the virtual desertion in neighbourhoods just outside Bissau.

One man, however, decided to stay despite the danger - given his large investment in a local business.

SOUNDBITE: (French)
"It's very dangerous but, you know, all of this has cost me a lot of money, and I have to stay here until the end of the war. If there is a bomb which destroys everything, then I'll go but..."
SUPER CAPTION: Jose Lopes Vidigueirs, Portuguese businessman

As the rebels move into new neighbourhoods of the capital there seems little hope of a peaceful solution.

SOUNDBITE: (Portuguese)
"The Junta's reaction to failed negotiations - as everybody knows - is we will continue fighting."
SUPER CAPTION: Commander Jose-Zamora Indita, rebel military spokesman

Tension fills the air in Bissau as sporadic shelling keeps civilians and soldiers on edge.

However, the spirit of revolution is in the air - and despite the deserted streets the people of Guinea Bissau are behind the soldiers who are fighting to free the nation of President Joao Bernardo Vieira.

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