"This is the last time we will tolerate..." Guinea-Bissau's Parliament is angry with Portugal

In Guinea-Bissau, the National Transitional Council (CNT) did not appreciate at all the remarks made by the Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel during his visit to France on Friday, March 20, 2026.

The Portuguese foreign minister had indeed stated that Lisbon was working through diplomatic channels, with Angola and Brazil, for a return to constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau.

"Neither Rangel nor Portugal possesses the slightest legitimacy to dictate their conduct" to Guinea-Bissau

In a statement published on Monday, March 23, 2026, the CNT warned the Portuguese government against what it considers interference in the internal affairs of Guinea-Bissau.

"The coup is a reality that the National Transitional Council (NTC) and the military high command are managing to save the nation, and we will not accept Portugal acting as judge in a house that is not its own. This is the last time we will tolerate Paulo Rangel's interference in the country's internal affairs. Neither Rangel nor Portugal has the slightest legitimacy to dictate their conduct" to Guinea-Bissau, the statement reads.

She also condemns the "deliberately hostile policy of the Portuguese government towards Guinea-Bissau and its people".

This policy manifested itself in the "breakdown of the excellent relations and sound cooperation" that linked the two countries.

For cooperation free from paternalistic practices

Lisbon's actions contrast with the attitude adopted by other European countries which have opted for a "more pragmatic" approach to the political reality in Guinea-Bissau, the CNT also points out in its statement.

He invites Portugal to consider the partnership between the two countries as a relationship of interdependence and not as an act of benevolence.

This is certainly a response to Paulo Rangel who reaffirmed last Friday his country's support for the health and education sectors in Guinea-Bissau.

The CNT calls for cooperation based on mutual respect, free from paternalistic practices.