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Amid Military Takeover in Guinea-Bissau, Catholic Bishops Appeal for “peace, respect for human life”

Credit: Radio Sol Mansi
João Vissesse

By João Vissesse

Bissau, 28 November, 2025 / 10:38 pm (ACI Africa).

Catholic Bishops in Guinea-Bissau have appealed for peace, national unity, and strict respect for human life and fundamental rights following the military takeover that has plunged the West African nation into renewed uncertainty.

In a joint statement issued Thursday, November 27, Bishop José Lampra Cà and Bishop Víctor Luís Quematcha of Bissau and Bafatá Catholic Dioceses, respectively, express solidarity with the population, describing the moment as “delicate and important” in the country’s history.

“We appeal for respect for human life and for the fundamental rights enshrined in the laws of the country,” the Catholic Bishops say.

On November 27, Major-General Horta Inta-a was installed as transitional president, a day after soldiers toppled the civilian leadership in a swift power grab made before the results of the November 23 presidential election could be announced, Reuters reported.

The Reuters report further indicates that the ousted President, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, arrived in Senegal on November 27 aboard a special flight following an intervention by the Economic Community of West  African States (ECOWAS).

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In their November 27 joint statement, Catholic Bishops in Guinea-Bissau say, “What matters now is to look toward the future and the building of the country, and of a harmonious and fraternal society.”

“We believe that the Bissau-Guinean people possess moral and religious resources that will enable them to face the present and the future with dignity and determination,” the Catholic Church leaders say.

For this to happen, they emphasize that “the common good must prevail, requiring every political and military actor to set aside personal or group interests and assume the historical responsibilities demanded by the present moment.”

“We ask God, Lord of History, to bless our Country and grant all citizens, political leaders, and military personnel the maturity and generosity needed to build a more promising future, in accordance with His designs of love and happiness for each of His children,” the Catholic Bishops implore.

The latest development in Guinea-Bissau follows concerns expressed by members of the Regional Union of the Diocesan Priests of West Africa (RUPWA) about the country's political and social tensions after the election.

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In a statement issued Tuesday, November 25, RUPWA members condemned any action that encourages violence or division among Bissau-Guineans and called for respect for the popular will expressed at the polls.

“The will expressed through the ballot box is sacred and must be received responsibly,” the Diocesan Priests from the member nations of the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA) said.

They noted that “the current moment requires serenity, civic commitment, and fidelity to what the people decided through the vote.”

RUPWA members emphasized that national stability depends directly on the protection of peace and respect for the democratic choices of citizens.

The Catholic Bishops ministering in Benin, Burkina Faso, Niger, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Mauritania, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and Togo encouraged Guineans to reject violence, remain calm as the institutional process unfolds, and uphold the values of peace and reconciliation.

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“The true strength of a people lies in their capacity to dialogue, to unite, and to build the future together,” they said, inviting all citizens to let every action be guided “by peace, fraternity, and mutual respect.”

João Vissesse

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.