Guinea-Bissau slipped into political turmoil on Wednesday as military officers announced they had taken “total control” of the country, suspending the electoral process and shutting all borders just three days after the nation held its presidential and legislative elections.
Tensions escalated when sporadic gunfire erupted near the presidential palace in Bissau, with armed soldiers blocking the main access road. The situation became clearer hours later when military personnel read an official statement at army headquarters, declaring the suspension of democratic activities and asserting their authority.
President Umaro Sissoco Embaló later confirmed to Jeune Afrique that he had been arrested by senior military officers. According to him, he was detained around 1 p.m. while working inside his office at the presidential palace. Embaló, who had earlier claimed victory in Sunday’s presidential poll with 65% of the votes based on figures compiled by his campaign, said the arrest was carried out without violence but described the move as a coup attempt orchestrated by the armed forces’ leadership.
In addition to the president, several top security officials were also arrested. They include the armed forces’ chief of staff, General Biaguê Na Ntan; his deputy, General Mamadou Touré; and the interior minister, Botché Candé.
The military takeover has deepened uncertainty in the coup-prone West African nation, raising fresh concerns about democratic stability in the region.
