Africa
Guinea-Bissau Military Seizes Power, Arrests President Embaló
Guinea-Bissau plunged into uncertainty on Wednesday after a group calling itself the High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security announced it had seized control of the country and arrested President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, his interior minister, and several senior officials.
The military faction claimed the operation followed what it described as a foiled destabilization plot involving political actors. The takeover comes just days after the tense November 23 general elections, which saw widespread allegations of irregularities and heightened political friction.
Borders Shut, Curfew Imposed
In a televised announcement, the group said it had suspended the electoral process, ordered the closure of all land, air, and sea borders, and imposed a 7 p.m. nationwide curfew. Residents in Bissau reported heavily armed soldiers establishing checkpoints across major routes as confusion and panic spread.
As the military solidified its control, communication disruptions were reported, and government offices remained shuttered.
A Nation With a History of Coups
Guinea-Bissau, a small West African nation of around 2 million people, has experienced nine coups or attempted coups since gaining independence in 1974. Analysts say the latest power struggle underscores the country’s chronic political instability and persistent factional rivalries within the military.
Regional and International Condemnation
The takeover drew swift and strong condemnation from regional bodies.
ECOWAS called the arrests “unacceptable” and demanded the “immediate and unconditional release” of President Embaló.
The African Union echoed the call, describing the situation as a “serious violation of constitutional order.”
Diplomatic missions in Bissau urged restraint and warned that instability threatens humanitarian and economic conditions in one of the region’s poorest states.
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