Guinea-Bissau’s military has seized control of the country, detaining President Umaro Sissoco Embaló just one day before the official announcement of the presidential election results. The dramatic takeover has plunged the West African nation into uncertainty, raising concerns among regional and international observers.
A group of military officers, claiming to represent the high military command, announced in a televised statement on Wednesday that their actions were intended to restore order. They declared full control over the country, suspended the electoral process indefinitely, and imposed a nationwide curfew. All land, air, and sea borders were closed.
Gunfire was reported around the capital, Bissau, including near the election commission headquarters, the presidential palace, and the interior ministry, signalling widespread unrest.
The presidential election, held on Sunday, had been fiercely contested between incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and his main rival Fernando Dias. Both candidates claimed victory prior to the official results, which were scheduled for Thursday, exacerbating political tensions.
President Embaló told France 24 by telephone that he had been ousted and was currently held at the General Staff headquarters. Al Jazeera reporters from neighbouring Senegal confirmed his detention on Wednesday afternoon. In addition, Domingos Simões Pereira, leader of the main opposition party, was also arrested. The coup was reportedly orchestrated by military officer Denis N’Canha, who had previously overseen the president’s personal guard.
Guinea-Bissau, which gained independence from Portugal in 1974, has a long history of political instability, having experienced numerous coups and attempted coups over the decades. This latest seizure underscores the fragility of democratic processes in the country and raises questions about the future of its electoral system.
A summary of key details is provided below:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Country | Guinea-Bissau |
| Event | Military coup |
| President detained | Umaro Sissoco Embaló |
| Opposition leader detained | Domingos Simões Pereira |
| Coup leader | Denis N’Canha |
| Election date | Sunday (prior to coup) |
| Electoral status | Suspended indefinitely |
| Security measures | Nationwide curfew; borders closed |
| Locations of unrest | Bissau – presidential palace, election commission, interior ministry |
Regional leaders and international bodies have expressed grave concern over the unfolding situation, urging the military to restore constitutional order and respect the outcome of the electoral process. Meanwhile, citizens remain fearful as uncertainty grips the capital and the broader nation.
GLIVE/TSN