Published November 30, 2011 | By Jenna Torosian

Guinea-Bissau continues to struggle with political stability linked largely to the military. After the 2009 elections — that were deemed free and fair — mutinous soldiers detained the Prime Minster and Army Chief of Staff. The drug trade has increased, leading to more destabilization in the fragile country. Corruption is pervasive and rule of law is crumbling. International community members are pulling aid and restricting trade and travel to Guinea-Bissau. Assets in the U.S. and Europe belonging to high ranking government officials have been frozen because of their alleged direct links to the illegal narcotics trade. The country is still rebuilding from the civil war, and though some progress is being made in reconstruction, the country’s recovery will likely be long and difficult. Uncertainty is set to continue as the President Sanha struggles to manage the fragile balance of power with the military until the 2012 parliamentary elections.