PAIGC Warns of Plot to Eliminate Simões Pereira in Guinea-Bissau
The African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) has issued a chilling warning, accusing the current regime in Guinea-Bissau of plotting to “politically and physically eliminate” its leader, Domingos Simões Pereira.
The accusation emerged following a high-level meeting of the party’s permanent commission on Thursday. In a formal statement, the PAIGC claimed that the government—which they allege is still being orchestrated by former President Umaro Sissoco Embaló—is engaged in a systematic campaign of persecution against Simões Pereira, the nation’s primary opposition figure.
A Manufactured Legal Crisis
Simões Pereira has been deprived of his liberty since a military coup on November 26, 2025, which derailed general elections. Despite being barred from that race by a court decision, the opposition leader is now facing new charges. Authorities suspect him of involvement in an alleged coup attempt in October 2025, just weeks before the military actually seized power.
The PAIGC has dismissed these charges as “grotesque,” pointing out the irony of a military junta that successfully overthrew the government now attempting to prosecute a civilian for a “supposed” failed coup. “Those who consummated a coup d’état are so determined to persecute and try to convict a citizen for an alleged coup attempt,” the party stated.
Political Retaliation and Power Grabs
According to the PAIGC, the motive behind the crackdown is personal and political. The party claims Embaló is seeking revenge because Simões Pereira’s endorsement helped opposition candidate Fernando Dias da Costa claim victory in the first round of the 2025 elections—a victory the junta effectively nullified.
“In his wretched political calculation, Umaro Sissoco Embaló believes that the removal of Domingos Simões Pereira… would increase the probability of finally winning the next presidential elections,” the statement added.
Escalating Restrictions
Simões Pereira’s legal ordeal has intensified over the past eight months. After spending two months in a Bissau police station, he has been under house arrest since January. He has appeared before a military court three times, where prosecutors are currently pushing for preventive detention—the most severe restrictive measure possible.
The PAIGC argues these maneuvers are a desperate attempt to “legitimize the deprivation of liberty” after the fact, despite a complete lack of credible evidence.
International Intervention Requested
As Guinea-Bissau prepares for new general elections scheduled for December 6—following a controversial constitutional referendum set for August 30—the PAIGC is calling on the international community to act. The party has urged the African Union and ECOWAS to intervene and hold the regime accountable for Simões Pereira’s safety.
The party concluded its statement by calling on the current Military Command to engage in “serious and constructive dialogue” to restore constitutional normalcy to the West African nation.
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Note: News coverage is being conducted remotely as the Lusa agency’s delegation in Guinea-Bissau remains suspended following the government’s expulsion of Portuguese media outlets in August.
Image: Pexels – Embellish Image
