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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for the immediate release of all detained political figures in Guinea-Bissau, saying the move would strengthen the credibility of the country’s transition to civilian rule.
In a communiqué issued after a summit of heads of state in Sierra Leone, the regional bloc said freeing political detainees would “bolster the credibility” of the transition process.
Those covered by the call include opposition leader and former Prime Minister Domingos Simões Pereira, who was re-arrested earlier this month.
Pereira has been accused of economic crimes and involvement in an alleged coup attempt in October 2025, allegations he has consistently denied.
He is among several politicians detained by the military after it seized power in November last year, ousting President Umaro Sissoco Embaló.
The takeover occurred a day before the country’s electoral commission was due to announce the results of the presidential and legislative elections.
Following the coup, the military authorities adopted a one-year transitional charter in December, requiring presidential and legislative elections to be held at the end of the 12-month transition period.
Guinea-Bissau has endured decades of political instability since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, with only one president completing a full constitutional term in office.
