ECOWAS Urges Guinea-Bissau to Free Opposition Leaders

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called on Guinea-Bissau to release detained opposition leaders, specifically Pereira, during a summit in Sierra Leone. This appeal follows a military coup that took place in November 2022, after which a transitional charter was adopted in December to guide the country back to civilian governance.

Pereira, the leader of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), was detained on July 10, 2023, and has been under house arrest since February, a move perceived as an attempt to exert pressure on ECOWAS. He faces allegations of economic crimes and involvement in a coup attempt scheduled for October 2025, which he denies.

Guinea-Bissau is expected to hold a constitutional referendum on August 30, 2024, followed by general elections on December 6, 2026, although the government has not officially announced these election dates. A government spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comments regarding Pereira's detention.