Guinea-Bissau’s President, Umaro Sissoco Embaló has been arrested by the country’s armed forces this afternoon in what appears to be a military coup, just three days after disputed presidential elections
Heavy gunfire was reported around the presidential palace in the capital, Bissau, shortly after 1:00 p.m. local time (GMT).
Witnesses and local media said soldiers stormed the palace, overpowered the presidential guard, and took Embaló into custody.
In a brief call with French-language outlet Jeune Afrique shortly after his arrest, Embaló confirmed: “I have been arrested by the army. I am currently detained at the palace.”
His exact location remains under military control, and the armed forces have not issued an official statement.
The coup comes in the wake of Sunday’s presidential and legislative elections, which were highly contested. Both Embaló and his main opposition rival, Fernando Dias da Costa, claimed victory before official results were announced.
Tensions had been escalating in the weeks leading up to the vote after the Supreme Court barred several major opposition parties, including the historic PAIGC, from participating. Critics had described the move as an “institutional coup.”
Guinea-Bissau, a small West African nation with a long history of political instability, has seen at least ten successful or attempted coups since gaining independence in 1974.
Embaló, a former army general, has largely ruled by decree since dissolving parliament in December 2023.
Official election results, originally scheduled for Thursday, November 27, have yet to be released.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
