A Candidacy Born of Reflection
Former Secretary of State for Transport and Communications, João Bernardo Vieira, has officially entered Guinea-Bissau’s 2025 presidential race, declaring his candidacy on September 23 after what he described as “deep reflection.” In an exclusive interview, Mr. Vieira discussed his motivations, political alignment, and vision for a stable and prosperous Guinea-Bissau.
Vieira explained that his decision to run stems from a moral obligation to address the nation’s persistent instability and unrealized potential.
“My decision to run came after deep reflection on the state of our nation—our hopes and our unrealized potential,” he said. “Guinea-Bissau stands at a crossroads. Either we continue with instability and poverty, or we choose a new path of unity, integrity, and sustainable development. I chose to run because I believe in the strength and wisdom of our people. My candidacy is an act of responsibility, not ambition.”
Political Identity: Beyond Party Lines
Although the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) has endorsed Domingo’s Simões Pereira as its candidate, Vieira insists that his movement transcends party politics.
“I was born in PAIGC—the party that led our independence—and it will always be part of who I am. However, my campaign is built around citizens, not parties. It’s a people’s project, not a partisan one. Anyone who shares our vision for a just, peaceful, and prosperous Guinea-Bissau is welcome to join.”
Unity, Not Division
Critics have suggested that Vieira’s candidacy could fragment the opposition vote. He rejects that notion.
“My intention is not to divide, but to unite. True unity is not achieved by silencing diversity, but by aligning around shared values integrity, service, and love for our country. I’m reaching out to all opposition forces, not to compete but to cooperate. Guinea-Bissau deserves leadership that builds bridges, not walls.”
Vision for Governance
Vieira’s vision centers on dignity, equality, and self-reliance.
“I dream of a Guinea-Bissau where every citizen can live with dignity, where the state serves the people, and where our resources benefit all, not a few. Unlike others, I don’t promise miracles or depend on external solutions. My approach is about steady, realistic progress guided by transparency, accountability, and sustainability.”
First-Year Priorities
If elected, Vieira pledges to focus on stabilization, job creation, and public service reform.
“First, we must stabilize the state and ensure security through national dialogue. Second, we’ll launch an emergency job program focused on agriculture, youth entrepreneurship, and infrastructure. Third, we’ll invest in public services starting with free primary healthcare and better teacher training. These are the foundations for lasting peace and development.”
Socio-Economic Development
Addressing youth unemployment and emigration, Vieira proposes a skills-based national strategy.
“We will create a National Employment and Skills Program to train 50,000 young Bissau-Guineans for jobs in agriculture, renewable energy, construction, and ICT. Education reform will emphasize modern curricula and vocational training. In healthcare, we’ll strengthen local clinics, promote telemedicine, and support rural medical staff. To reduce emigration, we must make staying in the country a real opportunity by supporting entrepreneurship and connecting our diaspora with national development.”
Security Sector Reform
Acknowledging the challenges faced by defense and security forces, Vieira promises reforms rooted in respect and accountability.
“Our defense and security forces are patriots who deserve respect and decent conditions. We’ll work with the government to launch a reform pact that improves salaries and housing while ensuring democratic oversight and gender inclusion. Security must protect people, not politics.”
Fighting Corruption and Promoting Transparency
Corruption, Vieira said, will be met with decisive and transparent governance.
“If elected, I will create a National Anti-Corruption Authority with independent powers to investigate and prosecute all public officials. Every minister will be required to declare assets publicly, and we’ll digitize public finances for real-time monitoring. Transparency will not be a slogan it will be the backbone of governance.”
Ensuring Electoral Integrity
Vieira emphasized peace and integrity in the electoral process.
“I hope national and international partners will ensure a free and transparent process. My campaign promotes peace above all. I’ve led a two-year national agenda for reconciliation, so there will be no violence or manipulation.”
Economic Diversification
To reduce reliance on agriculture and remittances, Vieira envisions a diversified and sustainable economy.
“Agriculture will remain our foundation, but we’ll add value through agro-processing and export of finished products. We’ll also invest in fisheries, ecotourism, and renewable energy. My goal is to make Guinea-Bissau a hub for sustainable African development—a land of life and a land of future.”
Foreign Policy
Vieira advocates a balanced, pragmatic foreign policy rooted in national interest.
“Our diplomacy will be based on mutual respect and national interest. We’ll strengthen regional cooperation within ECOWAS and the African Union while maintaining balanced partnerships with Europe, the United States, China, and Russia. We owe historical gratitude to nations like Cuba, China, and the former Soviet Union for supporting our independence, but Guinea-Bissau must speak with its own voice—one that seeks cooperation, not dependency.”
Restoring Trust in Institutions
On institutional reform, Vieira stressed the need for judicial independence and meritocracy.
“We must restore trust in justice through independence and meritocracy. A national dialogue on justice will bring citizens, lawyers, and magistrates together to rebuild faith in our institutions. The law must serve the people, not the powerful.”
Youth and Diaspora Engagement
Empowering young people and the diaspora is a cornerstone of Vieira’s agenda.
“Our youth are not a problem they are the solution. We’ll establish a Youth Investment Fund to support startups and innovation. For the diaspora, we’ll create a digital and physical hub to connect Guineans abroad with investment opportunities at home. We must make our youth believe again that Guinea-Bissau is worth staying for.”
Democratic Commitment
Asked whether he would accept defeat, Vieira responded firmly.
“Absolutely. I will accept the results of a fair and transparent election. Democracy means respecting the people’s choice. If I’m not chosen, I will continue serving my country in other ways, because leadership is not a title it’s a lifelong duty.”
A Message of Hope
Vieira concluded with a heartfelt message to his fellow citizens.
“To the people of Bissau and every region, my message is one of hope and confidence. We have suffered enough from corruption and instability. It is time to rebuild, step by step. Together, we can make Guinea-Bissau a land of life, a land of opportunity, a land of future.”
João Bernardo Vieira’s candidacy thus stands as both a return to national ideals and a call for unity. His message rooted in responsibility, inclusiveness, and reform may resonate deeply in a nation yearning for renewal.
By Emebet Asefa | Russafrik News
Bissau, Guinea | October 19, 2025
