Lisbon, April 1, 2026 (Lusa) – The transitional government of Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday condemned the death of citizen Vigário Luís Balanta "in particularly violent circumstances." His body was found in a remote area in Ndam Lero, near Nhacra, 30 kilometres from Bissau.
The transitional government expressed "deep consternation and vivid indignation" regarding the "regrettable and condemnable event", according to a statement published on the social media pages of Guinean media outlets.
Social media pages belonging to local media outlets and social activists are flooded with images of a man in a white vest, apparently dead, identified as 35-year-old Vigário Luis Balanta.
Balanta led the "Po di Terra" Revolutionary Movement, a civil society organisation primarily composed of young people. The group opposed last November's military coup and has demanded the publication of the results of the legislative and presidential elections held that month.
"Given the gravity of this event, the government condemns with the utmost firmness and without any reservation this barbaric act, which shocks the national conscience, violates human dignity, and offends the fundamental values of civilised coexistence," the statement says.
The executive said it was "firmly committed" to creating conditions for the full resumption of institutional normality, social peace, public security, and constitutional life. Such events "deserve a swift, firm, and exemplary response" from the competent authorities.
"Immediately after becoming aware of the case, the government urged the judicial, police, and criminal investigation authorities to proceed, as a matter of urgency, with all legally necessary measures, to establish the full truth of the facts, identifying the material and moral authors of this crime, and their subsequent accountability under the law," the statement says.
There will be "no complacency" regarding acts of violence or crimes against human life, the statement said, noting the state's duty to protect citizens and guarantee justice.
*** Lusa's delegation in Guinea-Bissau has remained suspended since August following the government's expulsion of Portuguese media representatives. Coverage is currently being provided remotely ***
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