CPLP works discreetly to normalize situation in Guinea-Bissau

O minister of Foreign Affairs today stated that CPLP is working in a “discreet and serene way” to ensure that the situation in Guinea-Bissau returns to normal, bearing in mind that mediations do not take place in public space.

“ We are all working discreetly and serenely to ensure as soon as possible the return of Guinea-Bissau to full functions [in the CPLP] and, of course, we also want this to mean a transition process that will lead us to full and functional democracy,” said Paulo Rangel.

The Foreign Minister spoke to journalists in Brussels, alongside the counterpart of Cape Verde, Manuel Amante da Rosa, after being asked about when he intends to receive PAIGC leader Domingos Simões Pereira, who is in Lisbon.

Paulo Rangel pointed out that there were recent changes in the situation in Guinea-Bissau, referring to the possible postponement of the presidential elections, announced this Thursday, and stressed that CPLP needs to “understand them perfectly” and have “capacity for dialogue”.

“ Often these mediations cannot be done in public space, otherwise they will not work later,” he warned.

Asked if this means he intends to receive the PAIGC leader soon, Rangel replied: “It means exactly what I said, no more or less.”.

In turn, the Foreign Minister of Cape Verde said that he is aware of what is happening in Guinea-Bissau and the postponement of the presidential elections, “which were to be held apparently without observers”.

“ We are observing and we hope that there may be a dialogue between the parties and that a solution can be found for Guinea-Bissau, because Guinea-Bissau is part of the CPLP and we cannot, among us, be aware that one of the members is not inside,” he said.

Manuel Amante da Rosa highlighted as soon as CPLP’s wish and actions have been “that dialogue may return to Guinea-Bissau and that Guinea-Bissau may again be part of CPLP”.

Guinea-Bissau has been suspended from participating in the activities of the CPLP since December 2025, following the military coup of 26 November that year, which interrupted the electoral process. The decision of the CPLP provides that the suspension shall apply until the constitutional order is resumed.

New elections were scheduled for 6 December this year, but the conditions for the vote were not met this Thursday.

The previous presidential and early legislative elections had taken place on 23 November 2025, but the process was interrupted by the military coup on 26 November, before the completion of the clearance of the results.