Guinea-Bissau opposition leader faces military court over coup plot allegations
Domingos Simões Pereira, the opposition leader in Guinea-Bissau, is facing military court accusations of involvement in coup attempts, which he and his supporters deny as politically biased.
Domingos Simões Pereira, the leader of the historic PAIGC party in Guinea-Bissau, appeared in military court on allegations related to coup attempts. His involvement is questioned concerning coup plots purported to have occurred in late 2023 and October 2025, although details on formal charges remain vague. A senior military official has expressed doubts about Pereira's actions, having claimed there are 'many suspicions' of 'subversive actions.'
Previously, Pereira had experienced arrest during a military coup in November 2025 that ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. After his release earlier this year, he has been subjected to house arrest due to separate investigations regarding alleged financial offenses, while also being restricted from making public remarks. The exclusion from public discourse and the backdrop of his investigations signify a tense political climate within Guinea-Bissau.
Pereira's legal team has reacted to the military proceedings, labeling them as 'provocative' and asserting that the allegations stem from political motivations rather than credible evidence. The situation highlights ongoing strains between the opposition and the military government, raising concerns about the implications for Guinea-Bissau's democracy and political stability as the nation grapples with the fallout from recent military rule and political unrest.