Portugal PS Slams Arrest of Guinea-Bissau Assembly President
Portugal’s Socialist Party (PS) has voiced “deep concern” following the arrest and preventive detention of Domingos Simões Pereira, the President of Guinea-Bissau’s National People’s Assembly. The high-profile leader of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) was taken into custody on Friday as part of a military investigation into an alleged coup attempt.
According to local reports from Radio Capital FM, Pereira is currently being held at the Public Order Police (POP) cells in Bissau. The Military Court is investigating claims that he helped orchestrate a coup attempt in late 2025 by allegedly providing 300 million francs (€457,000) and his residence to plotters.
A Call for Democratic Norms
In an official statement released Sunday, the Portuguese Socialist Party emphasized the “deep historical ties” between the two nations, noting it is monitoring the situation with “particular attention.” While the party stressed its respect for Guinea-Bissau’s sovereignty, it underscored the necessity of upholding the democratic rule of law.
“The Socialist Party calls for all rights, dignity, and the physical integrity of Domingos Simões Pereira to be fully respected,” the statement read. The PS further urged the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) to intervene urgently, applying diplomatic pressure to restore constitutional order and ensure the “regular functioning of democratic institutions.”
A History of Political Turmoil
The arrest marks the latest escalation in a long-running political crisis. Pereira was previously detained during the military coup of November 26, 2025—an event that halted the democratic electoral process. Though he was later released under travel restrictions, his lawyers have consistently challenged the legality of his detention, describing it as politically motivated “house arrest.”
Defense attorneys argue the Military Court lacks jurisdiction over a civilian and maintain that Pereira retains parliamentary immunity. They point out that as the president of the Assembly dissolved by former President Umaro Sissoco Embaló in 2023, he can only be tried by the Supreme Court.
The Shadow of a Coup
The political landscape in Guinea-Bissau remains fractured. The military seized power in late 2025 just as general elections were unfolding. Before the official results were announced, the military deposed President Embaló and arrested Pereira. Opposition figures have since alleged that the coup was a staged maneuver designed to allow the former president to maintain control behind the scenes.
Currently, the country is governed by a High Military Command, which has scheduled new elections for December 6. This transition period includes a controversial constitutional referendum set for August 30, which aims to significantly expand the powers of the head of state—a move that critics fear will further erode Guinea-Bissau’s fragile democracy.
Image: Pexels – Engin Akyurt
