Former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary Comrade Timi Frank has raised alarm over what he describes as a dangerous attack on democracy in Guinea-Bissau following recent political developments in the West African nation.
Political Crisis Unfolds in Guinea-Bissau
The crisis emerged after reports surfaced of a staged coup attempt, the detention of opposition leader Domingos Simões Pereira, and the withholding of presidential election results that were conducted recently. Frank expressed deep concern about these developments in a statement issued on Friday, November 29, 2025.
According to Frank, credible accounts from former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who served as an election observer, suggest a coordinated political-military conspiracy aimed at stopping the democratic transition. This intervention came after indications showed that Pereira, the candidate of the PAIGC party, may have secured majority votes against incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló.
Alleged Coup as Political Smokescreen
Frank identified early reports pointing to General Biagino Nhanca as a central figure in the alleged coup, stating this only strengthens suspicions that the military intervention serves as a smokescreen designed to sabotage electoral outcomes rather than protect the republic.
"What we are witnessing in Guinea-Bissau, if confirmed, is not a coup but a calculated civilian-military conspiracy to overturn the people's verdict," Frank stated emphatically.
He described the situation as completely unacceptable, labeling it "an attempted robbery of democracy, an assault on the ballot, and a threat to the stability of the entire sub-region."
International Community Called to Action
The political activist issued a strong warning that silence from the global community would amount to tacit endorsement of these anti-democratic actions. He urged African and international pro-democracy institutions to act swiftly and decisively.
"If this goes unchallenged, it becomes a manual for dictators: lose an election, announce a coup, detain the opponent, and freeze the results. Africa must reject this script before it becomes our new political culture. Democracy must never be negotiated, it must be defended," Frank declared.
He specifically called upon several international bodies to apply pressure:
- ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States)
- African Union
- European Union
- United States government
- Other international partners
Frank demanded that these organizations ensure the official election results are announced promptly and civilian power is fully restored without any further delay.
"The people of Guinea-Bissau have spoken through the ballot. The world must insist their voice be honoured. Let the results be released. Let democracy stand. Let Domingos Simões Pereira walk free," he added.
Sanctions and Accountability Demands
Frank further urged immediate concrete actions against the Guinea-Bissau administration, including:
- Seizure of assets belonging to those involved in undermining democracy
- Freezing of grants extended to the current administration
- Strict disciplinary measures against President Embaló and his collaborators
"Enough is enough! African leaders must know there are consequences for illegality, especially disenfranchisement of citizens and frustrating credible electoral processes," he asserted.
The former APC spokesman reaffirmed his solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau and all Africans committed to democratic governance, insisting that "the ballot, not the barrel of a gun, must determine who leads."
Frank's statement comes amid growing international concern about political stability in Guinea-Bissau, a country with a history of military coups and political instability since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974.
