Guinea-Bissau’s military court on Thursday ordered opposition leader Domingos Simoes Pereira to remain under house arrest after questioning him again over allegations that he was involved in plotting a coup against the country’s military government.
Pereira, who leads the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), appeared before the court under heavy security. The hearing is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged attempts to overthrow the current military authorities.
According to his lawyer, Joao Paulo Indeque, Pereira fully cooperated with the judges and answered all questions during the session.
“Domingos Simoes Pereira did not participate in any attempt to subvert the constitutional order. He knew nothing about it, we are certain of that,” Indeque told reporters after the hearing.
Pereira was initially detained when the military removed President Umaro Sissoco Embalo from power on November 26 last year. He was later released and placed under house arrest in January.
Authorities have accused the opposition leader of involvement in at least two alleged coup attempts, including one in 2023 and another in October 2025. Pereira has consistently denied any role in efforts to destabilize the government.
Security forces maintained a strong presence around the court building throughout Thursday’s proceedings, highlighting the political sensitivity of the case.
Guinea-Bissau has a long history of political instability. Since gaining independence in 1974, the West African nation has experienced four coups d’état and several failed attempts to overthrow governments.
The country is currently governed by a military administration led by General Horta N’Tam, who came to power following the overthrow of President Embalo.
The latest court decision is expected to deepen political tensions as opposition groups continue to challenge the actions of the military-led government while authorities pursue investigations into alleged threats against the state.
