A high-level ministerial delegation from Senegal visited Bissau on Sunday to reaffirm Dakar’s solidarity with Guinea-Bissau following the November 26 military coup.
The visit marked the first official contact between the two nations since the uprising, focusing on restoring political normality and easing internal tensions.
The delegation, led by Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang and Minister of the Armed Forces General Birame Diop, delivered a formal message from Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to the transitional authorities. Following three hours of negotiations with Transitional President General Horta N’Tam and the military high command, Senegal reiterated its commitment to helping Guinea-Bissau return to stability. Foreign Minister Niang emphasized the deep-rooted bonds of friendship and solidarity that link the two West African neighbors.
A primary objective of the mission was the release of individuals detained after the events of November 26. Senegal requested the release of political prisoners, a proposal to which the Bissau-Guinean military command reportedly responded favorably. The delegation planned meetings with high-profile detainees, including former Prime Minister Domingos Simões Pereira and presidential candidate Fernando Dias. Minister Niang welcomed the “extremely positive” response from the transitional president and expressed hope for swift releases in the coming days.
The transitional authorities provided the delegation with a memorandum explaining the motives behind the military uprising. The authorities justified the move as a necessary action to prevent internal conflict and dismantle drug trafficking networks. In return, Senegal committed to acting as a diplomatic advocate for Guinea-Bissau within international bodies—such as ECOWAS, the African Union, and the UN—to explain the transition’s context and help the country avoid crippling sanctions.
Guinea-Bissau’s Foreign Minister, João Bernardo Vieira, outlined the transitional roadmap, which includes: Institutional Reforms: Significant changes to the constitution and electoral systems. Restoration of Democracy: A primary goal to return to a recognized democratic order. Regional Cooperation: The visit follows a recent mission by Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, acting as the current chairman of ECOWAS.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA