The military of Guinea-Bissau announced the overthrow of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and the establishment of full control over events in the country. This statement followed reports of gunfire near the presidential palace and the closure of all borders of the republic.
Embaló himself confirmed the information about his ousting in a conversation with the FRANCE 24 television channel. He said, “I have been removed,” adding that he could not speak longer due to fears of his phone being confiscated. Earlier, in an interview with a local magazine, he reported that the military stormed the presidential palace and detained him in his office.
According to local media, a group of army officers suspended the operation of all state institutions “until further notice” and emphasized the need to “clarify the situation” before restoring constitutional order.
Along with Embaló, the Chief of Staff General Biague Na Ntan, his deputy General Mamadu Touré, and Interior Minister Boche Candé were arrested. The president noted that no violent actions were taken against him and referred to the events as a “coup,” placing the responsibility on the army.
These events occurred just three days after the presidential and parliamentary elections, during which both main candidates claimed victory, leading to increased tension in the country.
Guinea-Bissau, located between Senegal and Guinea, is known for frequent coups and is a well-known center for drug trafficking, where the military has played a significant role since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974.
The election results were set to be announced on Thursday, and both Embaló and his competitor Fernando Dias received support.
Dias was backed by former Prime Minister Domingos Pereira, who was barred from the elections.
Late Wednesday evening, Embaló told France 24: “I have been deposed.”
Witnesses in Bissau heard gunfire, but it is still unclear who was shooting and whether there are any casualties.
According to AFP, hundreds of people fled for cover after the gunfire.
General Denis N’Kania, head of the military family in the presidential palace, later read a statement regarding the power takeover. He reported that officers had created a “Supreme Military Command for the Restoration of Order” and called on citizens to “remain calm.”
Checkpoints were established on the streets of Bissau, and the city emptied ahead of a curfew that was set to come into effect at 7:00 PM GMT.
The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for the restoration of constitutional order and strongly recommended that all parties avoid violence.
In the past fifty years, this former Portuguese colony has experienced at least nine coups or attempted coups.
Embaló claims that his rule has been marred by several coup attempts, but his critics argue that he himself created crises to suppress the opposition.
The 53-year-old politician hoped to go down in history as the only president in the country to serve two consecutive terms in the last three decades.
Initially, he stated his intention not to participate in the elections, and before their postponement, his legitimacy was questioned, while the opposition argued that his mandate should have ended in February 2025.
Guinea-Bissau is one of the poorest countries with a population of over two million people. Its many uninhabited islands along the coast make it an ideal location for drug traffickers. The UN has characterized it as a “narco-state,” as it has become an important transit point for cocaine coming from Latin America to Europe.
