Military Coup in Guinea-Bissau Following Election Turmoil

Post by : Raina Nasser

Guinea-Bissau is in turmoil after military personnel announced their takeover on state television, just days after a national election. The announcement followed reports of intense gunfire around the presidential palace in Bissau.

Military Declares President Removed

Military spokesperson Dinis N’Tchama stated that the army halted the president's rule and suspended all government functions indefinitely. They claimed this was a preventive measure against alleged election manipulation involving local politicians and foreign nationals, though no evidence was presented.

Additionally, they imposed a suspension on the electoral process, halted media activities, and ordered the closure of national borders.

Gunfire Erupts Near Presidential Office

Loud gunfire was reported near the presidential palace at midday, leading to an armed confrontation between soldiers and assailants attempting to breach the building. Access streets were secured by heavily armed troops, and reports indicate gunfire occurred near the headquarters of the National Electoral Commission.

Subsequently, military personnel secured the commission's headquarters and allegedly apprehended its director.

President Claims Arrest by Military Forces

Umaro Sissoco Embalo, the president, reported that he had been detained but confirmed his safety. He was already facing accusations of illegitimacy, as opposition parties asserted his term had expired earlier this year.

According to constitutional law, a presidential term lasts five years. While Embalo took office in February 2020, many assert his time in power should have concluded in February 2025, leading up to a recent court ruling extending his term until September. This week marked the national election to determine his successor.

Arrests of Opposition Leaders

In addition to the president, the military apprehended Fernando Dias, an opposition candidate, and Domingos Simoes Pereira, a former prime minister. Pereira was previously barred from the election but supported Dias as his principal rival.

International Community Voicing Concerns

International observers and regional organizations condemned the military’s actions, labeling them as undermining democratic processes by halting election results and detaining officials. They urged calm, adherence to the rule of law, and the prompt release of detainees.

A local civil society group criticized both the president and the military for orchestrating a “simulated coup” to obstruct the dissemination of election results, alleging attempts by Embalo to maintain power by delaying official counts.

Part of a Broader Pattern in West Africa

Guinea-Bissau has a troubling history of coups since its independence. The latest military takeover contributes to a worrying trend in the region, with similar power shifts occurring in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Gabon since 2020.

Presently, Guinea-Bissau remains in a state of uncertainty, with closed borders and elections postponed while the military retains control as citizens seek clarity in their nation's future.