Guinea-Bissau military seizes power as army detains President amid election chaos

Guinea-Bissau military seizes power as army detains President amid election chaos

Guinea-Bissau has plunged into fresh political turmoil after a group of military officers announced they had taken control of the country, following the arrest of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and heavy gunfire in the capital, Bissau.

The takeover occurred just days after a disputed national election marked by the disqualification of the leading opposition contender, heightening tensions across the nation. Though official results were expected on Thursday, both Embaló and his closest rival, Fernando Dias, declared themselves winners, further escalating uncertainty.

Residents reported hearing sustained gunshots around 13:00 GMT near key government buildings on Wednesday, prompting thousands to flee on foot and by vehicle as panic spread. The military later appeared on state television, claiming they had assumed authority to “restore stability” and accusing the government of undermining the electoral process.

READ ALSO:

• Tinubu Nominates New Non-Career Ambassadors for U.S., U.K., France
• Tinubu Unveils Electric Tricycle Scheme to Reduce Transport Costs, Create Youth Jobs
• Kogi Vigilantes Foil Bandit Attack at Kiri High School, Two Dead

According to reports, the mutinous officers have formed a new governing structure and sealed borders, imposing a curfew and suspending state institutions. Their actions mirror a growing pattern of military coups in West Africa, including recent takeovers in Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea, deepening concerns over democratic backsliding in the region.

The presidency confirmed that Embaló was detained alongside senior security figures in what is now the third attempt to unseat him since he took power. Embaló had survived previous coup attempts in 2022 and 2023.

Home to fewer than two million citizens, Guinea-Bissau is one of the world’s poorest countries and has recorded nine coups or attempted coups since 1980, making it one of Africa’s most politically unstable states.

The latest upheaval underscores the fragility of institutions in the former Portuguese colony and adds to a growing list of crises rocking the West African sub-region, where political tensions, election disputes and military interventions have become increasingly common.

Guinea-Bissau military seizes power as army detains President amid election chaos