West African leaders have called on Guinea-Bissau’s military-led authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all detained political figures, saying the move is essential to restoring confidence in the country’s transition to democratic rule. The appeal was made in a communiqué issued after the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) summit in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where heads of state reviewed political and security developments across the region. ECOWAS said the release of political detainees would “bolster the credibility” of Guinea-Bissau’s transitional process and help create an environment conducive to peaceful elections and national reconciliation. Among those whose release is being sought is opposition leader and former Prime Minister Domingos Simões Pereira, who was re-arrested earlier this month. Pereira faces charges of economic crimes and alleged involvement in a failed coup attempt in October 2025, allegations he has strongly denied.
Pereira is one of several prominent politicians detained following the military takeover in November 2025, when soldiers ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embaló just one day before the national electoral commission was scheduled to announce the results of presidential and legislative elections. Following the coup, the military authorities adopted a 12-month transitional charter in December, committing to organize presidential and parliamentary elections at the end of the transition period and restore constitutional governance. ECOWAS reiterated its support for a peaceful return to civilian rule and urged the transitional authorities to respect human rights, uphold the rule of law and implement the agreed electoral timetable.
Guinea-Bissau has experienced decades of political instability since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, with repeated coups, military interventions and government changes. The country has struggled to establish lasting democratic institutions, and only one president has completed a full constitutional term in office. Regional leaders say restoring political dialogue and ensuring the participation of all political actors will be critical to achieving a credible transition and preventing further instability in the country. The latest ECOWAS intervention underscores growing regional concern over democratic governance in West Africa, where several countries continue to face political crises and military rule.
