Guinea-Bissau’s Opposition Leader Faces Military Court Over Coup Plot Allegations
Political tensions have sharply escalated as Guinea-Bissau’s opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira appears before a military court accused of involvement in alleged coup plots, deepening a national crisis following the November 2025 military takeover. The unfolding legal and political drama has drawn scrutiny both domestically and internationally.
Political Backdrop: A Nation in Turmoil
Guinea-Bissau’s recent history has been marred by instability. The West African nation saw a military coup on 26 November 2025 just before official results of tightly contested elections were to be released. Army officers seized control, detaining then-President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, suspending the electoral process, and installing a transitional military government led by General Horta Inta-a for a year.
Earlier, both incumbent Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias claimed victory in the November poll, which saw more than 65% voter turnout, illustrating deep divisions and mistrust in the electoral system.
The military coup followed a long pattern in Guinea-Bissau’s post-independence politics, with multiple coups and failed attempts since 1974.
Charges and Military Court Proceedings
On 13 February 2026, Domingos Simões Pereira, Guinea-Bissau’s Opposition Leader, was brought before a military court facing allegations linked to involvement in at least two coup attempts in late 2023 and October 2025. Authorities cite “serious suspicions” of participation in “subversive actions,” though detailed formal charges remain limited.
Pereira, a former prime minister and head of Guinea-Bissau’s most influential party was initially arrested during the November coup but was freed and placed under house arrest on January 31, 2026 amid ongoing investigations.
Supporters and his legal team maintain that the allegations are politically motivated, asserting that Pereira has never advocated for violent overthrow. His lawyer has described the court proceedings as “provocative,” highlighting concerns of judicial impartiality and political targeting.
Political and Public Reactions on Guinea-Bissau’s Opposition Leader
Reactions inside Guinea-Bissau remain sharply divided. The PAIGC has denounced the actions against Pereira, pointing to the irony of the military which itself seized power pursuing an opposition leader over coup plotting. The party’s headquarters remain closed amid ongoing tensions.
Many citizens express anxiety over political repression and judicial fairness. Some analysts warn that such high-profile legal actions could deepen distrust in institutions and spark further instability if avenues for peaceful political contestation continue to narrow.
Regional and International Responses to Guinea-Bissau’s Opposition Leader
Regional organisations have been vocal about the crisis. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has rejected the military transition plan, demanding a swift return to constitutional rule and threatening targeted sanctions if democratic processes aren’t restored.
Similarly, the African Union (AU) formally condemned the November coup, calling for the unconditional release of all detainees and urging respect for Guinea-Bissau’s constitutional order. The bloc stressed its commitment to supporting stability and democratic norms.
International observers, including ECOWAS and AU missions, previously described the November elections as free and transparent, raising questions about the legitimacy of the military’s narrative for intervening.
Broader Implications for West Africa
Guinea-Bissau’s political crisis and the court proceedings against an opposition leader underscore broader concerns about democratic erosion across West Africa. The region has witnessed several coups over recent years, prompting alarm among international partners and civil society about the fragility of democratic institutions and the recurrence of extra-constitutional power shifts.
Markets and investors have reacted cautiously to ongoing uncertainty. While Guinea-Bissau’s economy remains relatively small, political instability often deters foreign investment and complicates aid flows from international partners focused on governance and economic reform.
Next Steps on Guinea-Bissau’s Opposition leader
The military court case against Pereira is likely to continue drawing regional and international attention. Observers will be watching closely for how the judiciary handles the allegations and whether the process respects principles of fairness and transparency.
Meanwhile, Guinea-Bissau’s political future hangs in the balance as ECOWAS, the AU, and other international actors push for a return to constitutional governance ahead of the military’s proposed December 2026 elections.
Guinea-Bissau’s opposition leader faces military court proceedings that have intensified national political tensions amid ongoing attempts to resolve the aftermath of a disputed coup. The situation has prompted domestic criticism and strong regional pressure for the restoration of democratic order.
