Gambiaj.com – (LISBOA, Portugal) – PAIGC leader Domingos Simões Pereira, who is currently in Lisbon under the protection of the Portuguese state, says he remains “an absolutely free man” despite conditions imposed on his departure from Guinea-Bissau.
The former president of Guinea-Bissau’s National People’s Assembly was authorized by the Regional Military Court of Bissau to travel to Portugal for medical reasons. His three-month stay is, however, subject to an order barring him from carrying out political-party activities, in accordance with conditions linked to his status as a prisoner.
Speaking exclusively to DW, Simões Pereira said he did not consider the restrictions to have taken away his political freedoms.
“I am an absolutely free man,” he said, explaining that he had only refrained from making major public statements immediately after arriving in Lisbon out of respect for the authorities and individuals who may have facilitated his release.
He said he had made no commitment that restricted his fundamental rights and freedoms.
“But I want to quickly regain the full extent of my powers and freedoms,” Simões Pereira said. “As a Guinean, I only justify my existence if I make myself available to the Guinean people, and this is a decision that no one can take away from me.”
Concern over Guinea-Bissau’s political future
The PAIGC leader said he remained deeply concerned about the political direction of Guinea-Bissau and the wider state of democracy in Africa.
“As a Guinean, I remain worried about the country because I know it’s necessary to find a framework for normalization,” he told DW.
He warned that failure to restore political stability could carry serious consequences.
“Otherwise the risks of a breakdown are very high, which is not in the interest of anyone who loves the country and wants to live there,” he said.
Simões Pereira’s comments come amid continued political tensions in Guinea-Bissau following the country’s political crisis and the military authorities’ actions against senior political figures.
Health reasons for release
The PAIGC leader said his departure from Bissau was officially linked to health reasons, but he questioned some of the claims made about his medical condition.
“My health should be the most precious thing I have; therefore, it is my main concern,” he said.
He explained that he needed regular annual medical check-ups but had not undergone one for some time. Beyond that, he said, he had no major health complaints.
“Everything I’ve heard about my health situation while I’m out here has nothing to do with me,” he said. “I know nothing about it, nor do I know the person who wrote that certificate.”
“If it served as a pretext for my release, I accept it, but it has no connection to me,” he added.
Criticism of constitutional reform
Simões Pereira also criticized the proposed revision of Guinea-Bissau’s Constitution, arguing that constitutional changes should not be designed to serve particular individuals or political groups.
“That’s exactly what shouldn’t be done,” he said.
“What’s happening right now is an agenda, an attempt to stitch together and structure a particular framework, thinking about someone, thinking about a group of people. Democracy is exactly the opposite of that. It’s about thinking of everyone.”
His criticism reflects the central themes of his forthcoming academic work, On Democracy in Africa, which is due to be published in Lisbon by Nimba Edições.
Democracy in Africa
Simões Pereira discussed the book with DW ahead of public reading and debate sessions to be held through digital platforms.
He said the work seeks to examine the foundations of democracy as a model of social organization and explore why African countries, particularly those in West Africa, have struggled to establish and consolidate democratic systems.
He said Guinea-Bissau provides an important case study because of the persistent difficulties faced by its political institutions.
The book examines governance, citizens’ fundamental rights, the evolution of democracy in Africa, and the fragility of state institutions.
Simões Pereira said the reading sessions were intended to make the work accessible to a wider audience and encourage discussion about the conditions necessary for building a democratic system.
Promises prison memoir
The PAIGC leader also said he intends to publish a personal account of his experience in detention in Guinea-Bissau.
He said he would not avoid difficult or controversial aspects of his imprisonment and would eventually provide his own testimony about the period.
“I don’t do taboos. In due time there will be a testimony about this experience,” he said.
For now, Simões Pereira remains in Lisbon under the terms of the court authorization that allowed him to leave Guinea-Bissau. But his comments indicate that he intends to remain engaged in the country’s political and democratic debate, even as questions remain over the extent of the restrictions imposed on him.
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