Guinea-Bissau: The military partially loosens its grip on political parties

Bissau-Guinean political parties will be able to resume some of their activities from November 24, 2026, after nearly a year of suspension following the coup d'état of November 26, 2025. The military authorities authorize internal meetings, consultations as well as assemblies and congresses, but maintain the ban on public demonstrations.

This decision was announced in a statement published in early November by the High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order. The resumption of activities remains subject to certain conditions: meetings must take place in pre-determined locations, and party leaders must inform the relevant authorities.

The military also calls on political actors to respect the country's laws and security guidelines. They warn against any initiative likely to provoke violence, incite tribalism, or encourage clashes.

To justify this relaxation, the military authorities cite an improvement in the security situation as well as the need to allow political organizations to resume partial operations.

However, marches, meetings, parades, and other public gatherings remain prohibited. The High Command believes that these activities could threaten national security and public order.

Djamila Kambou.