Supreme court of Guinea-Bissau affirms Felix Nandungue as legitimate president of PRS amidst factional dispute

The PRS recently witnessed two extraordinary congresses held by opposing factions. One faction elected jurist Fernando Dias as party president, while another faction elected Felix Nandungue.

Both groups submitted their respective documents to the STJ seeking validation of their congress deliberations.

The STJ concluded that the congress electing Nandungue was legitimate, thereby affirming him as the party’s legitimate president.

Reacting to the decision at a press conference today, Felix Nandungue expressed satisfaction: “We are pleased with the decision made by the Supreme Court of Justice.”

He further pledged to initiate dialogue with Fernando Dias’ faction “to unify the party,” founded by the late former Guinean President Kumba Ialá.

Nandungue also announced that the PRS would “reevaluate” all agreements signed on behalf of the party by interim president Fernando Dias since the passing of elected leader Alberto Nambeia in 2023.

In response, Fernando Dias addressed PRS members at a separate press briefing, expressing disappointment with the ruling: “The STJ merely noted the events and did not make a decision.”

He emphasized that his faction would continue legal and political actions to challenge the STJ’s stance, alleging it was influenced by political powers.

“The current regime supports Felix Nandungue to weaken the party, but this PRS does not belong to Umaro Sissoco Embaló,” Dias asserted, referring to the Guinean President.

He accused the faction supporting Nandungue, labeled as “The Anticonformists,” of aligning with Embaló in anticipation of his potential re-election bid.

The division within PRS extends to loyalists of Fernando Dias and supporters of Finance Minister Ilidio Vieira Té and party veteran Ibraima Sori Djaló.

Dias’ faction, critical of the current leadership, has vowed to maintain its opposition, citing their commitment to uphold the party’s integrity.

The STJ’s decision marks a critical juncture in PRS’s internal dynamics, signaling potential shifts in Guinea-Bissau’s political landscape as factions vie for control amidst legal and ideological disputes.