Guinea-Bissau's Junta Signals Reconciliation, Releases Opposition Leader Amid Regional Pressure
BISSAU, Feb 2 (Reuters) — In a significant shift, Guinea-Bissau's military rulers have released a prominent opposition leader and vowed to include his party in a new transitional government, signaling a potential de-escalation after seizing power in a November coup.
The junta, which calls itself the Military High Command, announced on Friday that Domingos Simoes Pereira, leader of the historic PAIGC party and a former prime minister, had been freed from detention. However, Pereira remains under house arrest on what the military describes as suspicions of economic crimes.
In a letter circulated over the weekend and addressed to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), interim President Major-General Horta Inta-a outlined plans for an "inclusive" administration. The proposal allocates three ministerial positions each to the PAIGC (African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde) and to the Party for Social Renewal (PRS), led by Fernando Dias.
Dias, viewed as the main challenger to ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, has reportedly left the Nigerian embassy where he sought refuge and is no longer facing arrest, according to sources close to the junta.
Background & Analysis: The November 26 coup—the ninth in West and Central Africa since 2019—abruptly halted presidential and legislative elections. It underscored the persistent instability in a region grappling with a wave of military takeovers. ECOWAS, which has suspended Guinea-Bissau, demanded an immediate return to constitutional order and the resumption of the electoral process. The junta's latest concessions appear directly aimed at mitigating regional isolation and potential sanctions.
The electoral commission stated it could not complete the vote after armed men seized ballots and destroyed servers. A subsequent presidential decree has tentatively rescheduled elections for December 6, though the path remains uncertain.
Reactions & Commentary:
"This is a tactical retreat, not a change of heart," said Mamadou Diallo, a political analyst based in Dakar. "The junta is buying time and seeking legitimacy from ECOWAS by appearing cooperative. The real test is whether they will permit genuine political competition and adhere to a clear electoral timeline."
"It's a sham!" exclaimed Fatima Santos, a human rights advocate in Bissau. "Releasing Pereira only to keep him under house arrest on dubious charges is not progress. This 'inclusive government' is a facade for continued military control. ECOWAS must not reward this behavior with softened sanctions."
"Any step away from violence and toward dialogue is welcome," offered David Okeke, a professor of West African studies. "While deeply imperfect, these moves could open a narrow window for negotiation. The inclusion of major parties like the PAIGC and PRS is a necessary, if minimal, condition for stability."
"The international community seems relieved by any gesture," noted Amina Jallow, a journalist covering the region. "But the fundamental issue—the military's overt role in politics—remains unaddressed. Guinea-Bissau's cycle of coups won't break until that changes."
(Reporting by Alberto Dabo; Writing by Robbie Corey-Boulet; Additional reporting and analysis by Reuters staff)