Guinea-Bissau’s two main opposition parties have publicly called for dialogue with the military junta that seized power in a coup in late November 2025, as the country grapples with a prolonged political crisis and institutional paralysis. The appeal comes more than three months after the Haut commandement militaire pour la restauration de la sécurité nationale et de l’ordre public overthrew President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, dissolved civilian institutions and suspended the electoral process in Guinea-Bissau. Since then, the junta has ruled by decree, citing the need to restore security and political stability.
Opposition leaders, including figures aligned with former prime minister Domingos Simões Pereira, say negotiations are necessary to prevent further deterioration and to map out a credible transition back to constitutional rule. Their statement follows the junta’s recent offer of limited roles in a proposed transitional government, an offer opposition leaders rejected as cosmetic and lacking clear guarantees on timelines, civilian oversight and elections.
Regional pressure has continued to mount. The Economic Community of West African States has repeatedly condemned the coup, suspended Guinea-Bissau from decision-making bodies and urged the military authorities to engage all political actors and commit to a swift return to civilian governance. Analysts warn that without inclusive talks and a clear transition roadmap, Guinea-Bissau risks prolonged instability in a country already marked by repeated coups and chronic political fragility.
