Lisbon Protests: Sanctions Demanded for Guinea-Bissau Regime
LISBON – Dozens of Bissau-Guinean protesters gathered in front of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) headquarters in Lisbon on Wednesday, demanding international intervention to secure the release of imprisoned opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira.
The demonstration, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of the CPLP, called for the Lusophone organization to impose strict sanctions on the military-led government in Bissau. Activists accused the CPLP of historic complicity in the rise of what they describe as a “sissokoist” dictatorship—a reference to former President Umaro Sissoco Embaló.
“We are here to demand the release of Domingos Simões Pereira, the president of the National People’s Assembly,” political activist Sumaila Jaló told Lusa news agency. Jaló argued that sanctions are necessary for the CPLP to redeem itself from “serious errors” regarding the preservation of democracy in Guinea-Bissau.
A Movement Cast in Mourning
The protest began with a somber minute of silence for Vigário Luís Balanta, a prominent activist recently found dead in a remote area outside the capital, Bissau. Jaló accused the “military high command” of the killing, claiming the regime murdered Balanta to silence his leadership in the anti-dictatorship movement.
“The regime wants us to forget Vigário,” Jaló said. “His murder occurred while he was leading a diverse movement against the dictatorship.”
Calls for International Pressure
The protesters pointed to the political crisis of 2012 as a blueprint for action. During that period, both the CPLP and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) applied joint sanctions that forced a return to constitutional order. Jaló stated that Bissau-Guinean civil society is prepared to help international bodies compile a list of individuals for targeted sanctions.
While the protesters praised Timor-Leste for being the only member state to openly denounce the current Bissau regime, they directed sharp criticism at France, Senegal, and former members of the Portuguese government, accusing them of enabling the consolidation of power by the military junta.
Political Gridlock and Military Control
Domingos Simões Pereira, leader of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), has been in police custody since Friday. His detention follows a period of house arrest sparked by a military coup on November 26.
The crisis reached a breaking point last November during presidential elections. While official results were pending, Simões Pereira’s party claimed victory for candidate Fernando Dias da Costa over incumbent Umaro Sissoco Embaló. The military intervened shortly after, seizing power, deposing Embaló, and arresting Simões Pereira.
The opposition maintains the coup was orchestrated by Embaló himself to retain control. The ruling Military High Command has scheduled new elections for December 6 and plans to hold a referendum on August 30 for a new Constitution that would significantly Expand presidential powers.
Protesters in Lisbon vowed that the global Guinean diaspora would continue to mobilize until “freedom and human dignity are restored.”
Image: Pexels – Thiago Kai
