The military junta that toppled Guinea-Bissau's president in November has released PAIGC leader Domingos Simoes Pereira but kept him under house arrest while investigators probe alleged economic crimes. Interim leader Major-General Horta Inta-a has promised an "inclusive" transitional government, offering three ministerial posts each to the PAIGC and the PRS. The moves come as ECOWAS has suspended the country and demanded a rapid return to civilian rule after the coup disrupted elections and ballots and result servers were seized or destroyed.
Guinea-Bissau Junta Frees Opposition Leader, Pledges 'Inclusive' Transitional Government
A supporter of presidential candidate Domingos Simoes Pereira rides a bicycle decorated with PAIGC flag, ahead of Sunday's presidential election in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau November 22, 2019. Picture taken November 22, 2019. REUTERS/Christophe Van Der Perre
Feb 2 (Reuters) - The military junta that seized power in Guinea-Bissau in a November coup said on Thursday it will include the long-dominant PAIGC party in a transitional government and has released the party leader, former Prime Minister Domingos Simoes Pereira, though he remains confined to house arrest pending an investigation into alleged economic crimes.
In a letter circulated to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and to journalists, interim leader Major-General Horta Inta-a said he would form an "inclusive" transitional administration that would allocate three ministerial portfolios to the PAIGC and three to the Party for Social Renewal (PRS), led by Fernando Dias. Inta-a also pledged the release of political prisoners.
Regional Reaction and Electoral Disruption
The Military High Command ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embalo on November 26 and declared Inta-a interim president the following day. The takeover — the ninth coup in West and Central Africa in five years — interrupted scheduled presidential and legislative elections and triggered ECOWAS to suspend Guinea-Bissau and demand a swift return to civilian rule.
The national electoral commission said it could not complete the vote after armed men seized ballots and destroyed servers holding results. Authorities later issued a presidential decree setting new presidential and legislative elections for December 6.
Status Of Political Figures
The junta announced Pereira's release on Friday but said he would remain under house arrest as investigations continue into alleged economic offences. Sources close to the junta told Reuters that Fernando Dias left the Nigerian embassy, where he had sought shelter, and was not facing arrest after leaving the compound. Neither Pereira nor Dias could immediately be reached for comment.
The junta's concessions — including ministerial allocations and the reported release of detainees — appear aimed at placating ECOWAS while it negotiates terms for a return to civilian rule.
Reporting: Alberto Dabo; Writing: Robbie Corey-Boulet
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