The African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), which backed independent candidate Fernando Dias da Costa, claimed its national headquarters had been invaded by what it described as heavily armed militia groups, resulting in the expulsion of those inside and damage to the premises.
In a statement signed by National Secretary António Patrocínio Barbosa da Silva, the party said its Sede Nacional was “illegally stormed by heavily armed militia groups,” leading to “the expulsion of everyone present, the forced entry into several offices, and damage to the facilities.”
The PAIGC, a member of the Terra-Ranka coalition that backed Fernando Dias da Costa in the 23 November elections, called the incident “a blatant violation of the principles of the rule of law, undermining the constitutional order and democratic institutions.”
The party also stressed that “the destruction and occupation of the premises of a legally constituted political party incur civil, criminal and political liability for the perpetrators.”
The PAIGC noted that it “is not taking part in the current electoral process” and suggested that the raid may have been staged to implicate the party in the possession of weapons.
The statement, published on the Facebook page of PAIGC leader Domingos Simões Pereira, did not clarify his whereabouts. Arrested during the 26 November coup led by General Horta N’Tam, he was initially reported to have been released on Friday — information denied by those close to him.
In its final communiqué following Thursday’s summit of heads of state, ECOWAS called for the release of all detainees. Former president Umaro Sissoco Embaló, also arrested was eventually freed and flown to Dakar with assistance from Senegalese authorities.
The PAIGC issued several demands, including “the immediate return of its national headquarters, the restoration of security conditions, and the launch of an independent investigation.”
The party also insisted on respect for democratic norms and constitutional order, urging “the national and international community, judicial institutions and Guinea-Bissau’s partners” to ensure their enforcement.
AC/sf/lb/as/APA