DILI, 16 february 2026 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmão, on monday offered apologies to the transitional government of Guinea-Bissau for the statement he made on february 11, in which he described the West African country as a “failed state” following its november 2025 coup d’état.
The statement, which led to the rejection of the Special Envoy of the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta, to the Good Offices Mission of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) in Guinea-Bissau, led by Timor-Leste’s Defence Minister Donaciano da Costa Gomes, drew strong criticism from Guinea-Bissau.
Speaking to reporters in Dili, Gusmão clarified that the decision to cancel the special envoy mission was made jointly with Timor-Leste’s President, José Ramos-Horta.
“My apology to the transitional government of Guinea-Bissau. Together with the President of the Republic, Jose Ramos-Horta, we have decided to cancel the mission of the special envoy to Guinea-Bissau,” Gusmão said.
He emphasized that the apology was communicated verbally, and no formal written note has yet been sent to Guinea-Bissau.
The Prime Minister stressed that the cancellation of the mission does not affect the strong bilateral relations between the two Portuguese-speaking countries.
The mission, led by Timor-Leste’s Defence Minister, Donaciano da Costa Gomes, also known as ‘Klamar Fuik,’ comprised 15 members from Angola, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste, aimed to support the development of democracy and human rights in Guinea-Bissau.
Timor-Leste has supported Guinea-Bissau in organizing elections since the 2012 coup d’état, helping to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions.
Timor-Leste has held the presidency of the CPLP since december 2025, following the suspension of Guinea-Bissau from all CPLP activities after the november coup.
TATOLI
