Coup in Guinea-Bissau Ousts President Embalo After Disputed Election

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has been removed from power. A military coup toppled his government in Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday. The action followed a disputed presidential election held earlier this month. Both Embalo and his main challenger claimed victory.The swift takeover marks another violent shift in the West African nation’s politics. Soldiers seized key government buildings in the capital, Bissau. Embalo has since fled the country.

Military Junta Takes Control, Installs Transitional Leader

Gunfire erupted near the presidential palace on Wednesday afternoon. A group calling itself the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order” announced the takeover on national television. They suspended the constitution and dissolved state institutions.By Thursday, Major-General Horta Nta Na Man was installed as transitional president. He promised a return to civilian rule within one year. General Tomas Djassi, formerly Embalo’s chief of staff, was named the new army chief.Embalo was flown to neighboring Senegal. His safe exit was negotiated by the regional bloc ECOWAS. According to Reuters, Senegal’s foreign ministry confirmed his arrival and safety.

Conflicting Narratives Over Coup’s True Cause

The military justified its action by alleging a secret plot. Leaders claimed politicians and drug traffishers were planning to destabilize the country. Guinea-Bissau is a known transit point for Latin American cocaine bound for Europe.Opposition candidate Fernando Dias offered a different story. He accused Embalo of staging a “false coup” to avoid an electoral defeat. Official results from the vote had not been released when soldiers moved in.This confusion highlights the nation’s deep political divisions. Civil society groups expressed skepticism about all official accounts. The real trigger for the coup remains unclear to outside observers.

International Community Condemns the Power Grab

Global reaction was immediate and critical. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) suspended Guinea-Bissau. The bloc demanded the immediate restoration of constitutional order.The African Union and United Nations issued strong condemnations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the coup a violation of democratic norms. The European Union urged respect for the will of the voters.This event is part of a worrying trend. According to the BBC, this is the ninth coup or attempt in West Africa in just five years. Regional stability continues to fray.

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Life in the Capital Returns to a Tense Normalcy

Bissau experienced fear and disruption for 48 hours. Businesses and banks closed. Residents stayed indoors despite a lifted curfew. Soldiers maintained a visible presence on street corners.By Friday, some normalcy began to return. Land and air borders reopened. Markets and schools resumed operations. A sense of wary uncertainty persists among the population.The nation now faces a year of promised military-led transition. The path back to democratic elections is uncertain. Guinea-Bissau’s history of political volatility suggests challenges ahead.

The coup in Guinea-Bissau underscores the persistent threat of military intervention in West Africa’s fragile democracies, with the immediate future of its governance hanging in the balance.

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Q1: Who is in charge of Guinea-Bissau now?

Major-General Horta Nta Na Man leads a transitional military council. He was installed as president after the coup. The council promises civilian rule within one year.

Q2: Where is the ousted president, Umaro Sissoco Embalo?

Embalo was flown to Dakar, Senegal. His safe passage was secured through ECOWAS mediation. He remains outside of Guinea-Bissau for his safety.

Q3: What was the immediate cause of the coup?

The military cited an alleged plot by politicians and drug traffickers. The coup occurred before official election results were announced. The opposition claims it was a staged event by Embalo.

Q4: How has the international community reacted?

ECOWAS and the African Union suspended Guinea-Bissau. The UN and EU condemned the seizure of power. They universally call for a return to constitutional order.

Q5: Is this the first coup in Guinea-Bissau’s history?

No, it is not. Since independence in 1974, the country has experienced multiple coups. This persistent instability is often linked to its role as a cocaine transit hub.

Q6: Are citizens in immediate danger?

No major violence against civilians has been reported. The initial curfews have been lifted. Life is slowly returning to normal under military watch.