COTONOU, Benin — Guinea-Bissau’s junta has granted the release of Domingos Simões Pereira, the opposition leader and former Prime Minister, following a court’s directive to allow him to travel to Portugal for medical treatment. Pereira, who was re-arrested in early 2026 on charges related to an alleged coup attempt, has been a central figure in the nation’s tumultuous political climate.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been advocating for the release of political prisoners, including Pereira, as part of efforts to stabilize Guinea-Bissau and restore democratic processes. This move by the junta follows the regional bloc’s recent summit in Sierra Leone, where it called for the liberation of detained political figures to enhance the credibility of the country’s transition process.
The military coup in November 2025, which replaced President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, has led to a period of uncertainty and conflict in Guinea-Bissau. Pereira’s release is being interpreted as a potential step towards easing tensions and facilitating a return to constitutional order.
The court is scheduled to re — evaluate Pereira’s status upon the expiration of his 90-day medical leave. His family has denied the allegations of his involvement in the coup attempt, emphasizing that he was not engaged in any violent or unconstitutional acts.
The international community, including the United Nations, is closely monitoring the situation in Guinea — Bissau, with the release of political prisoners and the restoration of democratic processes seen as critical to the nation’s stability and long-term development.
As Guinea — Bissau navigates these complex times, the fate of political prisoners like Pereira may serve as a key indicator of the country’s future trajectory.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Rédaction Africanews
