Hundreds of protesters marched through Guinea-Bissau’s capital, Bissau, on Friday, denouncing last month’s military coup and demanding the release of opposition leaders.
The demonstrators clashed with security forces, burning tires and calling for the release of Domingos Simoes Pereira, head of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), who was detained during the coup.
The military junta, led by Major-General Horta Inta-a, has banned protests and strikes ahead of a high-level visit by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
ECOWAS leaders will meet in Abuja, Nigeria, on Sunday to discuss Guinea-Bissau and consider sanctions against the West African nation.
“We do not recognise the transitional government,” said civil society activist Vigario Luis Balanta, urging a general strike and civil disobedience.
The junta’s actions have been met with widespread condemnation, with the African Union suspending Guinea-Bissau’s membership until constitutional order is restored.
The coup is the ninth in West and Central Africa over five years, highlighting the region’s ongoing instability. Guinea-Bissau’s history of military interventions and cocaine trafficking has contributed to its fragile security situation.
