Gambiaj.com – (BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau) – As political uncertainty grips Guinea-Bissau, Senegal has stepped in to spearhead diplomatic efforts aimed at defusing tensions and securing the release of high-profile political figures.
On Sunday, December 21, a high-level Senegalese delegation arrived in Bissau on a mission described by Dakar as “strictly humanitarian.” The delegation was led by Foreign Minister Cheikh Niang and included Armed Forces Minister General Birame Diop and Ambassador Moussa Ndoye.
A Mission for Political Freedoms
Carrying an “oral message” from President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the envoys met with the new military authorities to advocate for the rights of those detained or in hiding following the November 26 coup d’état.
The mission’s primary objectives included the release of Domingos Simões Pereira: the leader of the PAIGC and former speaker of the National People’s Assembly is currently in detention. The delegation was granted physical access to his place of holding to assess his well-being.
Another key point in the discussion is the safe passage for Fernando Dias Da Costa: the 2025 presidential candidate remains holed up in the Nigerian Embassy in Bissau. Senegal is negotiating for Da Costa and his associates to “safely leave this place of protection” without fear of reprisal.
Dakar emphasized that “orderly political normalization” in Guinea-Bissau is contingent on the freedom of movement for detainees and refugees. The delegation further requested that ECOMIG (the ECOWAS mission in Guinea-Bissau) be allowed to provide safety guarantees for these individuals.
Dakar to Act as Diplomatic Shield
Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Communities of Guinea-Bissau has praised Senegal’s gesture of solidarity amid the difficulties Guinea-Bissau is currently facing.
João Bernardo Vieira made the remarks in the joint statements to the press following the three-hour meeting on Sunday in Bissau between the country’s High Military Command and the Senegalese Minister of Foreign Affairs.
“Senegal was the first country to come to Bissau after the coup, and I consider this gesture a clear demonstration of solidarity and an understanding of the challenges confronting the country,” Vieira said.
He added that the Senegalese delegation delivered a strong message of support and committed to defending Guinea-Bissau in international forums by explaining the circumstances that led to the military intervention, with the aim of preventing interpretations that could further aggravate the country’s political situation.
ECOWAS Military Mission Postpone
While Senegal pursues a bilateral diplomatic track, the broader regional response faces a setback. Guinea-Bissau’s Foreign Minister, João Bernardo Vieira, announced the cancellation of an ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Staff mission that was scheduled to arrive on December 22.
The mission, comprising military heads from Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal, was intended to deliver the formal position of ECOWAS Heads of State regarding the recent coup. Minister Vieira did not provide an official reason for the cancellation.
Exclusive: Inside the Delay
However, a well-placed source within the Guinea-Bissau government provided further clarity on the situation to The Gambia Journal. The source revealed that the transitional authorities have not yet granted the necessary approvals for the regional military delegation.
“The visit will likely take place in January,” the source told The Gambia Journal. “The High Military Command’s agenda is currently full, which limited their availability to receive the Chiefs of Staff from the regional community.“
Dakar’s Strategic Role
Despite the military mission’s delay, Senegal has reaffirmed its commitment to the ECOWAS framework established at the recent Abuja summit. By positioning itself as a mediator, Dakar is signaling its intent to play a pivotal role in restoring constitutional order in West Africa.
As the “humanitarian” talks continue, the international community remains watchful of whether the junta will heed Senegal’s call for the respect of human rights and the release of political rivals.
