Guinea-Bissau Freezes Ties with Cape Verde Over Interference
Bissau-Guinean authorities have announced the “practical freezing” of diplomatic ties with Cape Verde, escalating a regional row over alleged interference in Guinea-Bissau’s internal affairs. The move by the National Transition Council (CNT) follows a direct appeal from the government in Praia for the release of detained opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira.
Sovereignty Under Fire
Speaking in the capital, Bissau, CNT spokesperson Fernando Vaz rejected the legitimacy of Cape Verdean authorities to comment on the country’s judicial and political processes. The council labeled Cape Verde’s call for Pereira’s release an unacceptable violation of national sovereignty.
The CNT further alleged that Cape Verde is acting as a proxy for European interests rather than supporting a regional African agenda. Vaz accused the executive in Praia of blurring the lines between partisan political stances and official state diplomacy, suggesting that Cape Verde lacks the standing to influence decisions within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
A History of Friction
The announcement also opened old wounds, with the CNT invoking historical tensions from the 1970s. The statement referenced past allegations of human rights abuses and the disappearance of Bissau-Guinean citizens, while pointedly reminding Praia of the role Bissau-Guinean fighters played in winning Cape Verde’s independence.
Despite the diplomatic rift, the council sought to separate the government from the citizenry. “The Bissau-Guinean and Cape Verdean people are and will always be brothers,” Vaz stated, emphasizing that historical bonds should transcend current executive disputes.
Political Turmoil and Constitutional Change
The crisis centers on the detention of Domingos Simões Pereira, the president of the historic PAIGC party. Pereira was placed in preventive detention on July 10, facing investigation by a military court for his alleged involvement in an October 2025 coup attempt. He had previously been under house arrest following a military takeover on November 26, 2025.
That November coup interrupted a general election before results could be announced. While the military established the CNT to replace the parliament, the opposition has characterized the takeover as a “palace coup” orchestrated by former President Umaro Sissoco Embaló to retain power after his rivals claimed victory.
The CNT is currently pushing through significant constitutional changes to expand presidential powers. A national referendum on these amendments is scheduled for August 30, roughly three months before new general elections slated for December 6.
Note: This report was produced remotely. The Lusa agency delegation in Guinea-Bissau remains suspended following the government’s 2025 expulsion of Portuguese media representatives.
Image: Pexels – Markus Winkler
