Guinea-Bissau: Domingos Simões Pereira tried by a military court for attempted coup

Opposition leader and PAIGC chief Domingos Simões Pereira (DSP) appeared before the High Military Court in Bissau on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. He is being prosecuted for his alleged involvement in an attempted coup in October 2025. This case continues to shake the political scene in Guinea-Bissau.

According to the court order, DSP is accused of having financed the logistical preparations for the coup to the tune of 300 million CFA francs (approximately 450,000 euros) and of having organized meetings at his home to plan the operation. The public prosecutor has requested that he be remanded in custody.

However, at the end of the hearing, the opponent was able to return home, pending a decision announced "in the coming hours or days" by the investigating judge.

His lawyers denounced a "lack of impartiality" on the part of the military magistrates and contested the fact that the case was being handled by a military court rather than a civilian one. They argued that this approach reflected a political desire to weaken the opposition leader and limit his rights.

This case is unfolding against a backdrop of persistent tensions. In November 2025, DSP was prevented from participating in the elections while former president Umaro Sissoco Embaló was still in power. Arrested shortly thereafter by the military coup leaders, he was imprisoned and then placed under house arrest. Now, these same military officers are accusing him of having taken part in an attempted coup.

The case, marked by conflicting accusations and challenges to the legitimacy of the proceedings, illustrates the institutional fragility of Guinea-Bissau. The outcome of this military trial will be crucial for the political future of Domingos Simões Pereira and for the credibility of the judicial system in a country where the balance between civilian and military power remains precarious.