Military Seizes Power in Guinea-Bissau: President Umaro Sissoco Embaló Arrested After Disputed Election
Guinea-Bissau is in turmoil after a military coup. Army officers have taken control of the country and arrested President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. This happened just days after a tense presidential election.
The military, led by Brigadier-General Denis N’Canha, said they have “total control.” They deposed the president, suspended the election process, and closed all land and air borders. A nationwide curfew is now in place.
Embaló, 53, confirmed his arrest to news outlets like FRANCE 24 and Jeune Afrique. He said armed men stormed his office at the presidential palace around 1 p.m. local time. No force was used against him, but he called it a “coup d’état” led by the army chief of staff.
Along with Embaló, top officials were detained. These include Army Chief General Biaguê Na Ntan, his deputy Mamadou Touré, Interior Minister Botché Candé, and the president’s army staff. Some reports say opposition leaders like Domingos Simões Pereira and Fernando Dias da Costa are also held.
The coup follows the November 23 election. Both Embaló and challenger Fernando Dias claimed victory early. Official results were due Thursday. The military accused politicians of working with “drug lords” to rig the vote and cause chaos.
Gunfire was heard near the palace in Bissau, the capital. Soldiers are patrolling streets, and the electoral commission’s offices were targeted to force a result favoring Embaló, according to the president.
Guinea-Bissau has a history of instability. Since independence from Portugal in 1974, it has seen nine coups or attempts. Embaló, a former general and prime minister, has survived two before—one in 2023. His term was extended by the Supreme Court, and he dissolved parliament twice amid clashes with opposition.
The military says they will “clarify the situation” before returning to constitutional rule. No timeline was given.
ECOWAS, the West African bloc, has not commented yet. But the region has seen recent coups in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Guinea-Bissau’s instability could affect drug trafficking routes and regional security.
People in Bissau are worried. Social media posts show fear of more unrest. One user wrote: “The region is watching… Guinea-Bissau must not fall into chaos.”9e895f Borders closed mean travel and trade are stopped.
This is a developing story. More details as they come
