The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called on Guinea-Bissau's military-led government to unconditionally release all detained political figures. This appeal was made in a statement following a summit of heads of state held in Sierra Leone.

ECOWAS emphasized that releasing these political detainees would “bolster the credibility” of Guinea-Bissau’s ongoing year-long transition process. The military leaders of Guinea-Bissau adopted a transitional charter in December 2025, which mandates that presidential and legislative elections be held within 12 months.

Among those detained is opposition leader and former Prime Minister Domingos Simões Pereira, who was jailed again earlier in July 2026. Pereira faces accusations of economic crimes and alleged involvement in a coup attempt in October 2025, charges he denies. The military seized power in November 2025, ousting President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, just one day before the electoral commission was set to announce election results.

Guinea-Bissau has faced repeated political instability since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, with only one president completing a full term in office.

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