The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called on Guinea-Bissau’s military-led government to unconditionally release all detained political figures, including opposition leader and former Prime Minister Domingos Simoes Pereira, to strengthen the country’s transition to democratic rule.
The appeal was made at the conclusion of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit in Sierra Leone, according to a statement issued by the regional bloc late Monday.
ECOWAS said the release of all political prisoners would “bolster the credibility of the transition process” ahead of the country’s planned constitutional referendum and general elections.
Guinea-Bissau has been under military rule since a coup in November last year. The junta subsequently adopted a one-year transitional charter in December to guide the country’s return to civilian governance.
Pereira, leader of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), was ordered back to prison on July 10, according to his family.
He was initially detained following the November coup but was placed under house arrest in February, a move widely seen as an attempt to ease pressure from ECOWAS.
The former prime minister faces allegations of economic crimes and involvement in an alleged coup attempt in October 2025. He has denied all the charges.
ECOWAS said Guinea-Bissau is expected to hold a constitutional referendum on Aug. 30, followed by general elections on Dec. 6, 2026, as part of the transition timetable.
However, the Guinea-Bissau government has yet to officially announce the election dates, while a government spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comments on Pereira’s detention.
