A group of military officers in Guinea-Bissau has announced that they have taken control of the country, following reports that President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has been arrested.
Gunfire erupted in the capital, Bissau, earlier in the day. Government sources later told the BBC that the president had been detained. Soon after, uniformed officers appeared on state television to declare that the electoral process had been suspended as the nation awaited results from Sunday’s presidential election.
The officers claimed their actions were intended to prevent a plot by unnamed politicians—allegedly backed by a “well-known drug baron”—to destabilise the country. They also announced the closure of national borders and imposed a night-time curfew.
Guinea-Bissau, located between Senegal and Guinea, has long struggled with political instability and is known as a major hub for drug trafficking. Since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, the country has experienced repeated military interventions.
Election results had been expected on Thursday, with both Embaló and his main challenger, Fernando Dias, declaring victory. Dias had received the backing of former Prime Minister Domingos Pereira, who was barred from contesting.
Speaking to France 24 by phone on Wednesday afternoon, Embaló said: “I have been deposed.” Government sources later confirmed that Dias, Pereira and Interior Minister Botché Candé had also been detained. The coup leaders have reportedly arrested army chief Gen Biague Na Ntan and his deputy, Gen Mamadou Touré, as well.
Witnesses reported hearing gunshots near the presidential palace around 13:00 GMT, sending crowds fleeing for safety. Hours later, General Denis N’Canha, head of the military household at the palace, appeared on television to declare a takeover. He said the officers had formed the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order” and urged citizens to remain calm.
Checkpoints have since been set up across Bissau, and streets emptied ahead of the 19:00 GMT curfew.
Portugal, the country’s former colonial ruler, has called for a swift return to constitutional order and appealed to all parties to avoid violence.
Guinea-Bissau has experienced at least nine coups or attempted coups over the past 50 years.
