Guinea-Bissau’s military announced Wednesday that it has taken control of the country, appearing on state television to declare that it has assumed “the full powers of the State of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.”
The high command said the intervention followed the “discovery of an ongoing plan” to destabilise the nation by allegedly attempting to “manipulate electoral results” from last week’s presidential vote.
The declaration came less than 24 hours after both leading candidates, outgoing President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition contender Fernando Dias da Costa—claimed victory in the tightly contested polls. The election commission was expected to release provisional results on Thursday
Earlier on Wednesday, sporadic gunshots were reported near key locations in the capital, Bissau, including the presidential palace. Journalists said several roads were blocked, with heavily armed and masked soldiers manning multiple checkpoints.
Military spokesperson Dinis N’Tchama announced the creation of a “high military command for the restoration of order,” which he said would govern the country “until further notice.”
He further declared a sweeping suspension of constitutional governance:
- All national institutions suspended
- All media activities halted
- Electoral process suspended immediately
- Land borders, territorial waters, and national airspace closed
According to a member of the international election observer mission, the head of the election commission has been arrested and the commission’s office sealed off by soldiers, effectively halting the release of results.
French outlet Jeune Afrique reported that President Embaló said he had been arrested in what he described as a coup staged by the army chief of staff. Embaló insisted he was not harmed, though he has been locked in a legitimacy dispute for months. Opposition leaders say his mandate expired, arguing he should no longer be recognised as president.
Embaló was elected in February 2020, but the constitution limits a presidential term to five years.
The military takeover marks the latest in a long series of coups and attempted coups in Guinea-Bissau, which has struggled with political instability since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974.
About the Author
2 thoughts on “Guinea-Bissau: Military Takes Over, Shut Down Institutions”