Guinea-Bissau’s ruling military authorities on Tuesday announced the release of six opposition figures who had been held since last month’s coup.
Those released are associates of Domingos Simoes Pereira, leader of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), the movement that led the country to independence in 1974. Pereira himself remains in detention following the takeover.
In a statement, the High Military Command, which serves as the junta’s governing body, described the releases as a gesture of goodwill aimed at fostering a return to constitutional order and respect for international norms.
The military seized power on November 26, removing then president Umaro Sissoco Embalo after a disputed presidential election. Following the coup, the army suspended the electoral process and declared it would govern the West African nation for a one-year transitional period.
Another opposition presidential candidate, Fernando Dias, sought refuge at Nigeria’s embassy, where he was granted asylum. Embalo, who was briefly detained during the coup, later fled the country.
Diplomatic efforts to ease tensions have continued. On Sunday, Senegal’s foreign minister led a delegation to Guinea-Bissau, meeting with detained opposition figures and calling for their release.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has warned that it may impose targeted sanctions on individuals obstructing the country’s return to civilian rule.
Guinea-Bissau has a long history of political instability, having experienced four successful coups and numerous attempted uprisings since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974.
