The military authorities in Guinea-Bissau have relaxed efforts to arrest a senior opposition politician who had gone into hiding, while another key opposition figure has been placed under house arrest, according to opposition officials.
The junta seized power on November 26, overthrowing President Umaro Sissoco Embalo just days after a presidential election and before the announcement of official results. In the aftermath of the takeover, the military suspended the electoral process and detained several senior politicians, while Embalo fled the country.
Fernando Dias, Embalo’s main challenger in the election, had avoided arrest by seeking refuge at the Nigerian embassy. On Saturday, his communications manager, Gabriel Ye, said most restrictions on Dias had been lifted. He clarified that Dias is not under house arrest but has been instructed by military authorities to refrain from making public statements or engaging in political activities.
Ye also confirmed the release of Embalo’s former prime minister, Geraldo Martins.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Domingos Simoes Pereira has been placed under house arrest shortly after his release from prison on Friday evening. Pereira, a prominent critic of Embalo, was freed after months in detention but was escorted to his residence on the outskirts of the capital, Bissau, where supporters gathered to welcome him.
Army commander Jorgito Biague stated that all individuals detained in connection with the coup have been released, except Pereira. He said Pereira is under house arrest due to alleged economic crimes and emphasized that the matter is being handled by the judiciary, not the military leadership.
Pereira leads the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), the party that led Guinea-Bissau to independence from Portugal in 1974. He was barred from contesting the recent presidential election after submitting his candidacy late and later threw his support behind Dias.
Guinea-Bissau has a history of political instability, having experienced five coups and multiple attempted military takeovers since independence.
On Saturday, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) welcomed what it described as recent steps taken by the transitional authorities, saying they could help promote an inclusive political environment and facilitate a return to constitutional governance. The bloc called for Pereira’s full release, urged the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, and appealed to all parties to work together toward a peaceful transition and credible democratic elections.
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