Bissau, January 16 - Today marks the 26th Anniversary of the historic election of Dr. Kumba Yala to the Presidency of the Republic of Guinea Bissau.
After a devastating civil war and the ousting of the former President, a new presidential election was held on January 16, 2000 and Dr. Kumba Yala was elected as President of the Republic of Guinea Bissau. Having won 73% of the votes - a feat never before achieved in all of West Africa by any opposition candidate. - he thus became one of the most important and most famous figures in the history of Guinea-Bissau. Kumba Yala then became a “hero” in the minds and hearts of Guineans (especially his Balanta people). The Balanta B’urassa History and Genealogy Society in America (BBHAGSIA) is therefore proud to re-publish Dr. Kumba Yala's book, Political and philosophical thoughts Volume 1, to Commemorate the 26th Anniversary of His Historic Presidential Election.
“What makes this re-publication of his book so special is that it is translated into Balanta, English and French, making it a very unique book indeed.”
- Siphiwe Baleka, President of BBHAGSIA
Sample pages of the 92 Politicl and Philosophical Thoughts
Excerpt from the book’s Forward:
“On October 10, 2025, We - Siphiwe Baleka and Sânebickté Yala Baleka - were married at the Ministry of Justice in Bissau, Guinea Bissau. From the beginning of our engagement, we knew we shared a mission to do something to honor the legacy of President Dr. Kumba Yala and his mission to promote the well-being of all Guineans. Telling the stories and history of the great Balanta people is also the mission of the Balanta B’urassa History and Genealogy Society in America (BBHAGSIA). Thus, We offer this Portuguese-English-Balanta-French translation of this brilliant, beautiful and eloquent small little book, Political and philosophical thoughts Volume 1 as the first fruits of our marriage and as a gift to the world, and specifically to the Balanta people who were taken into captivity in the Americas and are rediscovering their people and culture.
Siphiwe Baleka, President of BBHAGSIA and
Sânebickté Yala Baleka,
Bissau, October 15, 2025”
