BISSAU – A group of army officers announced they had taken control of Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday, just a day before the results of a highly contested presidential election were due.
In a statement broadcast on state television, spokesperson Diniz N’Tchama confirmed that President Umaro Sissoco Embalo had been ousted, the electoral process suspended, borders closed, and a nationwide curfew imposed. Shortly afterward, Embalo told France 24, “I have been deposed.”
The officers said they had formed “The High Military Command for the Restoration of Order” to govern the country until further notice. It remains unclear if Embalo is in custody, though sources indicated he is being held at the army chief of staff’s office.
Embalo’s main rival, Fernando Dias, stated in a video that he is safe after armed men attempted to detain him. Former Prime Minister Domingos Simoes Pereira, who lost to Embalo in 2019, has reportedly been detained. Dias described the incident as a “false coup attempt” staged because he won the election.
The African Union and ECOWAS expressed serious concern over the takeover, calling for the immediate release of election officials and urging stability.
Gunfire erupted in Bissau near the electoral commission, presidential palace, and interior ministry shortly before the army’s announcement, causing panic in the streets. The U.S. mission issued a security advisory citing military checkpoints and the use of tear gas in the capital.
The electoral commission was scheduled to release provisional results on Thursday from the vote, which saw both Embalo and Dias claiming victory. Embalo was aiming to become the first president in 30 years to win a second consecutive term.
Guinea-Bissau has a long history of political instability, with nine coups or attempted coups since independence from Portugal in 1974. Embalo himself has survived three coup attempts during his tenure. Critics accuse him of exploiting crises to justify crackdowns.
The West African nation has also become a major hub for cocaine trafficking, with recent reports indicating record shipments arriving from Venezuela.
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