Guinea-Bissau: Defense Slams ‘Illegal’ Court for PAIGC Leader
Lawyers representing Guinea-Bissau opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira have raised the alarm over the creation of what they describe as a “sham” court, specifically designed to criminalize and try the politician for an alleged coup attempt.
An Affront to the Constitution
In a formal complaint, the legal team for the PAIGC leader and elected president of the parliament accused the Superior Council of the Judiciary and the Attorney General of orchestrating an “ad hoc” court. The defense argues that this judicial body was established to bypass traditional legal frameworks and prosecute Pereira in a “non-existent case, invented and labeled as the attempted coup of November 2025.”
“The creation of an ‘ad hoc’ court is a direct affront to the Constitution of the Republic,” the defense stated, noting that the nation’s laws strictly prohibit forming a court solely to try a specific individual or case. The lawyers maintained that there is “no fact with sufficient merit” to link Pereira to any coup plot.
Judicial Maneuvering
The defense team suggests this new court was born out of a crisis within the Military Court. According to the lawyers, Military Court magistrates recused themselves from the case, stating they were uncomfortable judging General Daba Na Walna—another figure indicted in the alleged plot—because Na Walna was their former teacher and colleague.
While Pereira was previously questioned by the Military Court regarding the investigations, his legal team emphasized that he appeared only as a witness and has never been formally charged with a crime. Despite this, he has been under house arrest since January, following more than 60 days of detention at a Bissau police station.
A Climate of Political Turmoil
The legal battle unfolds against a backdrop of severe political instability. On November 26, 2025, the military seized power, deposing President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and halting an election cycle before official results could be released.
In the wake of the takeover, several opposition figures were detained. Pereira and his PAIGC party had already been barred from the November elections by a court ruling, leading them to support candidate Fernando Dias, who claimed victory in the first round before the process was interrupted. Since then, the military has amended the Constitution to grant the presidency sweeping powers and has scheduled new elections for December 6.
Note: Reporting on Guinea-Bissau is currently being conducted remotely, as the government expelled Portuguese media representatives and suspended the Lusa news agency bureau in August 2025.
Image: Pexels – Dokun Ayano
