Guinea-Bissau: Opposition Politician Alleges President Bio Holds Secret Meeting

Opposition leader Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray has alleged that President Julius Maada Bio made an unannounced trip to Guinea-Bissau on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

According to a social media statement posted by Kamarainba Mansaray on Facebook, he tracked the Sierra Leonean leader during a clandestine meeting with the military junta that recently seized power in the neighboring Lusophone nation. Mansaray also claimed that Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye was present at the discussions.

While the Office of the President has not yet issued an official statement regarding the trip, the context of the visit appears to be tied to President Bio’s role as the current Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

Critics, led by Mansaray, have been quick to point out the optics of frequent international travel at a time when Sierra Leoneans are facing high inflation and a growing youth drug crisis.

“I hope His Excellency Julius Maada Bio will do the needful this year and drastically reduce his travels,” Mansaray wrote. However, he notably called the President “Mi Paddy” (my friend) and wished him a Happy New Year.