Guinea-Bissau Opposition Leader Flown To Portugal

Guinea-Bissau’s military government has allowed imprisoned opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira to travel to Portugal for medical treatment following growing international pressure over his detention, according to his family. The move comes after weeks of concerns about his deteriorating health and repeated calls for his release by regional leaders.

Pereira, leader of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) and a former prime minister, was returned to prison earlier this month following a military court ruling. Although he was released from prison in February, the military authorities kept him under house arrest over alleged economic crimes before later accusing him of involvement in an alleged coup attempt in October 2025. His family has consistently rejected the allegations, describing them as politically motivated.

Relatives had repeatedly expressed concern over Pereira’s worsening health and the absence of a trial date. Earlier this week, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) urged Guinea-Bissau’s authorities to unconditionally release all detained political figures, including the former prime minister, citing concerns about the country’s political climate and respect for democratic rights.

A family representative said Pereira was granted a conditional release to allow him to travel abroad for urgent medical treatment. Portuguese news agency Lusa later confirmed that he arrived in Lisbon on Friday morning. It remains unclear how long he will remain in Portugal or whether he will be required to return to Guinea-Bissau after receiving treatment.

SOURCE: Reuters