Readjustment Movement Day in Guinea-Bissau
On November 14, 1980, the Readjustment Movement led by João Bernardo Vieira brought down President Luís Cabral.[2][3] Guinea-Bissau’s 2023 decree on compulsory national holidays does not include November 14 in its list, so it does not establish this date as a compulsory day off for workers.[1]
What the law says
Decree No. 1/2023 says the dates it names are compulsory national holidays, with work stopped in both the public and private sectors except for activities that cannot be interrupted by their nature. Its list includes New Year’s Day, National Heroes and Combatants of the Homeland Liberation Day, International Workers’ Day, Independence Day, Christmas, Easter, Ramadan and Tabaski. November 14 is not on that list.[1]
The same decree gives public employees in central and local administration, public institutes and public enterprises time off on several additional dates. November 14 is not among those dates either.[1]
The event behind the name
The name refers to the Readjustment Movement led by João Bernardo Vieira. A United Nations document on Guinea-Bissau’s political history dates the movement to November 14, 1980, and says it brought down President Luís Cabral. The UN’s country background identifies Cabral as Guinea-Bissau’s first president and likewise records his removal by Vieira in a coup in November 1980.[2][3]
The takeover changed the country’s post-independence leadership. Guinea-Bissau declared independence in 1973 and joined the United Nations in 1974.[2][3]
Observances and practical planning
Decree No. 1/2023 does not make November 14 a compulsory day off. Check directly with any office or service you plan to use before making plans.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When is Readjustment Movement Day?
The United Nations dates the Readjustment Movement to November 14, 1980.[2]
Is November 14 a compulsory day off?
Decree No. 1/2023 does not list November 14 among compulsory national holidays or the additional days off it grants to public employees.[1]
What does the day commemorate?
Will banks, shops or public transport be open?
Check with specific offices and transport operators before travelling or arranging services.
Sources and references
Sources used for Readjustment Movement Day in Guinea-Bissau:
- Decreto n.º 1/2023 — Feriados Nacionais Obrigatórios- República da Guiné-Bissau, Boletim Oficial
- English Constitution- United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau
- Background | UNIOGBIS- United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau