November 26, (THEWILL) — Guinea-Bissau was plunged into a new wave of political instability on Wednesday after armed military men arrested President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and several top government and military officials, following heavy gunfire near the presidential palace in the capital, Bissau.
Gunshots rang out around 13:00 GMT, forcing residents to flee in panic as the security situation deteriorated rapidly. Witnesses told reporters that people abandoned vehicles and ran for cover while armed factions exchanged fire around key government installations.
President Embaló’s arrest comes barely three days after a tense presidential election marked by controversy and the disqualification of the main opposition candidate. Although official provisional results are due on Thursday, both Embaló and his closest rival, Fernando Dias de Costa, have already claimed victory, heightening political tension.
Confirming his arrest, Embaló told Jeune Afrique that he was detained while working in his office at the presidential palace. He described the development as a “coup d’état” orchestrated by the armed forces’ chief of staff. According to him, the armed men did not use force during the arrest.
Several senior officials were also seized, including the army chief of staff, General Biaguê Na Ntan; his deputy, General Mamadou Touré; and the Interior Minister, Botché Candé.
Journalists monitoring the election reported scenes of chaos as gunfire erupted near the National Electoral Commission (CNE) headquarters. A reporter said his team and CNE workers were forced to hide in an office as shots were fired around the building.
The escalating crisis underscores Guinea-Bissau’s long-running political fragility. The country, with fewer than two million people, has experienced nine coups or attempted coups since 1980. Embaló himself has survived two previous attempts, the latest in December 2023.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
