Portugal Hails Release of Guinea-Bissau Opposition Leader
The President of the Portuguese Assembly of the Republic, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, has hailed the release of Bissau-Guinean opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira, declaring that any democracy is weakened when its legislative leaders are imprisoned.
Speaking to reporters in Luanda, Angola, at the conclusion of the XV Intermediary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), Aguiar-Branco expressed hope that the move marks a turning point for the West African nation.
“I hope and wish that this release is full and definitive, and that a return to democratic normalcy in Guinea-Bissau can be achieved, as that is what we all desire,” Aguiar-Branco stated.
A Unified Call for Constitutional Order
The Portuguese official noted that the sentiment was shared by members of the CPLP Parliamentary Assembly. The final Luanda Declaration issued today reflects a collective appeal to all international and local institutions to help restore constitutional and democratic stability in Guinea-Bissau.
“No democracy is stronger when the president of its parliament is deprived of their freedom,” Aguiar-Branco emphasized, referring to Simões Pereira’s role as the head of the Bissau-Guinean legislature.
Humanitarian Support in Lisbon
Simões Pereira, the leader of the historic African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), arrived at Lisbon’s airport today after being released from preventive detention. Despite his current presence in Portugal, the opposition leader vowed to return to his home country to continue his political work.
Aguiar-Branco defended the Portuguese government’s decision to welcome Simões Pereira, citing humanitarian grounds. “I believe that whenever one acts within this framework, one is doing what ought to be done,” he said.
Strengthening the CPLP
The release is seen as a vital step toward reintegrating Guinea-Bissau into the full fold of the Lusophone community. Aguiar-Branco concluded by stressing that the CPLP will only be “stronger” once Guinea-Bissau restores its democratic logic and participates with full rights in the organization’s efforts.
Image: Pexels – Qing Luo
