Military officers seized control of Guinea-Bissau today in a coup d'état that shook the West African nation. They arrested President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and suspended the ongoing electoral process amid rising tensions.
Gunfire erupted in parts of the capital, Bissau, early Wednesday. Soldiers stormed the presidential palace and detained Embaló while he worked in his office. The president later confirmed his arrest in statements to media outlets. Meanwhile, the military closed borders and imposed a curfew to maintain order.
In a televised address, army officers announced they had deposed the government. They cited corruption and electoral irregularities as reasons for the takeover. Additionally, they declared total control over state institutions and halted all electoral activities following the recent presidential and legislative polls on November 23.
Guinea-Bissau has endured multiple coups since independence in 1974. This latest upheaval comes days after contentious elections, which observers described as fraught with disputes. Critics accused Embaló of manipulating institutions to retain power.
International partners expressed concern over the instability. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) called for restraint and a return to constitutional order. Furthermore, the United Nations urged dialogue to resolve the crisis peacefully.