Guinea-Bissau’s military junta has released opposition leader and former prime minister Domingos Simoes Pereira, while promising to form an inclusive government that brings in the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), in a move widely seen as an effort to ease pressure from the West African regional bloc ECOWAS.
Pereira, who leads the PAIGC, was freed from detention following talks between the junta and political stakeholders, according to officials familiar with the matter. However, he remains under house arrest, limiting his ability to resume full political activity. The PAIGC is Guinea-Bissau’s historic liberation movement and one of its most influential political forces.
The junta seized power in November, triggering condemnation from ECOWAS, which has repeatedly called for a return to constitutional order and inclusive governance. The bloc has previously imposed sanctions and threatened further measures against military-led governments that fail to outline credible transition plans.
In a statement released on Monday, the junta said it was committed to forming a government that reflects the country’s political diversity and would include representatives of the PAIGC and other parties. It framed the release of Pereira as part of a broader reconciliation process aimed at restoring political stability and preventing further isolation of the country.
Guinea-Bissau has a long history of coups and political instability, with repeated power struggles between civilian leaders and the military undermining governance and economic development. The latest takeover raised concerns among international partners about democratic backsliding in the region, particularly as several West African states have experienced military coups in recent years.
ECOWAS has insisted that dialogue with political parties, the release of detained leaders, and a clear transition timetable are essential steps toward normalising relations. Analysts say the junta’s latest moves suggest a tactical adjustment rather than a full reversal of military control, as key political freedoms remain constrained.
For now, the release of Pereira and the pledge of an inclusive government may help reduce immediate diplomatic pressure, but regional observers say the credibility of the junta’s commitments will depend on concrete actions, including guarantees of political participation, respect for civil liberties, and a clear path back to civilian rule.
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