Military Coup in Guinea-Bissau and Arrest of the President

A group of military personnel in Guinea-Bissau announced "full control" over the country "until further notice," after arresting the outgoing President Umaro Sissoco Embaló inside the Presidential Palace in the capital, Bissau. The military announced the suspension of the electoral process and the closure of borders, pending the results of the presidential and legislative elections held on Sunday.

1. Coup Details and Arrests

• Announcement of Control: The military, in a statement from the army headquarters, declared "full control" over the country, pending the official election results.

• The Arrest: President Embaló himself confirmed to the magazine Jeune Afrique that he was arrested on Wednesday, November 26, around noon, while inside his office.

• Prominent Detainees: Also arrested were:

  • The Armed Forces Chief of Staff, General Biagué Na Ntam.

  • The Deputy Chief of Staff, General Mamadu Turé.

  • The Minister of Interior, Botche Candé.

• Clashes: Gunfire was heard near the Presidential Palace and the electoral commission offices, and men in military uniform were deployed along the main road leading to the Palace.

2. Political Background and Electoral Dispute

• Timing: These developments occurred while the country was awaiting the official preliminary election results on Thursday.

• Prior Dispute: Outgoing President Embaló and an opposition candidate (Fernando Dias) had each separately declared victory, raising the likelihood of a new political crisis.

• History of Instability: Guinea-Bissau, a West African nation, has a long record of political turmoil, having experienced four coups and several attempted coups since its independence.

• Economic/Security Situation: Guinea-Bissau is one of the world's poorest countries and is described as a key hub for drug trafficking between Latin America and Europe, exacerbated by its chronic political instability.