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Written question asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench) on Monday, 1 December 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 December 2025. It was answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Labour) on Monday, 15 December 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.


Guinea-Bissau: Political Prisoners

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking in response to the seizure of power by the military in Guinea-Bissau, and what assessment they have made of the location and safety of the political leaders who have been detained, targeted or disappeared since the coup.

Answer

The UK is concerned by recent developments in Guinea-Bissau and is monitoring the situation closely. It is essential that all parties respect constitutional order and democratic principles. We welcome the swift response of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, and support their efforts to bring about a return to constitutional order.

Following his initial detention, former President Embaló has now left Guinea-Bissau. We remain concerned over the safety of other political leaders who are still in detention or seeking refuge abroad, and we support ECOWAS efforts to ensure that the rights of all those individuals are respected.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL12476
Session
2024-26
Related items
Guinea-Bissau: Military Coups
Friday, 19 December 2025
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Political prisoners Guinea-Bissau
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk