PAICV Calls for Immediate Release of Domingos Simões Pereira
Cape Verde’s ruling party, the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (PAICV), has issued a blistering condemnation of the “arbitrary detention” of Domingos Simões Pereira, the President of the National People’s Assembly in Guinea-Bissau.
A Call for Democracy and Human Rights
In a statement released on Sunday, the PAICV demanded the immediate release of Pereira and an end to what it describes as systematic political persecution. The party highlighted the deteriorating political situation in Guinea-Bissau, noting that democratic institutions have been paralyzed since a military coup on November 26, 2025.
“Since the coup d’état, the constitutional order has been interrupted, the functioning of democratic institutions has been paralyzed, and the disclosure of the electoral results from the November 23 elections has been prevented,” the PAICV stated. The party characterized the deprivation of Pereira’s liberty as a “grave violation” of both democratic principles and the values shared by the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP).
International Pressure Mounts
The PAICV is calling for urgent intervention from the international community. The party urged the CPLP, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the United Nations to act swiftly to protect Pereira’s life and physical integrity.
“Democracy, freedom, and respect for the popular will must prevail in Guinea-Bissau,” the statement read, emphasizing that global pressure is necessary to ensure the immediate release of the opposition leader.
A Cycle of Arrests and Legal Turmoil
Pereira, who also leads the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), was taken to the Second Station of the Public Order Police in Bissau on Friday. This marks the latest chapter in a long-standing legal struggle; he was initially arrested during the November coup and spent two months in jail before being placed under house arrest with restricted movement.
In June, judicial authorities named Pereira a suspect in an alleged coup attempt that supposedly occurred shortly before the November elections. His defense team has vehemently contested the charges, dismissing the process as nothing more than a politically motivated trial intended to silence dissent.
Constitutional Overhaul Under Military Rule
Guinea-Bissau remains under the control of a High Military Command, which has moved to reshape the nation’s political landscape. The military government has scheduled a new general election for December 6 and is pushing for a constitutional referendum on August 30. The proposed new constitution would significantly grant more powers to the head of state, a move critics fear will cement authoritarian rule.
Note: Reporting on Guinea-Bissau is being conducted remotely following the government’s expulsion of Portuguese media representatives in August.
Image: Pexels – Dokun Ayano
