In a dramatic turn of events, military officers in Guinea-Bissau declared they had taken complete control of the country on Wednesday November 26th, seizing power just one day before the official release of election results.
The takeover came shortly after national elections in which both the incumbent Umaro Sissoco Embaló and his main challenger, Fernando Dias da Costa, each claimed victory. Military spokesperson Dinis N’Tchama announced on state television that the armed forces had assumed “the full powers of the State of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau,” citing the uncovering of a “plan” to manipulate electoral results.
Gunfire was reported earlier in the day near the presidential palace and election commission offices, heightening fears of wider instability. Journalists described roads to the presidential palace sealed off, with armed and masked soldiers manning checkpoints.
The military announced the formation of a “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order,” indefinitely suspending all state institutions, halting the electoral process, shutting borders land, sea and air and suspending media operations nationwide.
Outgoing President Embaló confirmed he had been detained. He described the development as a “coup,” though he said no violence was used against him.
This abrupt takeover adds yet another chapter to Guinea-Bissau’s long history of political instability since its independence in 1974, and underscores the fragile nature of democratic processes in the country.
