Guinea-Bissau has been thrust into political turmoil after a group of senior military officers seized power, stormed the presidential palace, and announced the overthrow of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló.
The officers declared that all land, air, and sea borders had been closed, deepening concerns over yet another coup in the coup-prone West African nation.
According to France 24, the officers appeared on the state broadcaster shortly after intense gunfire erupted across key government installations in the capital, Bissau.
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Their televised statement confirmed that the military had deposed President Embaló and suspended the country’s disputed electoral process, saying it was necessary to “clarify the situation” before restoring constitutional order.
The officers added that they had established a governing body called ‘The High Military Command for the Restoration of Order’, which will assume control of the country “until further notice.”
No timeline was provided for a return to civilian rule.
The latest developments come at a critical moment for Guinea-Bissau.
The coup unfolded just one day before the electoral commission was expected to release provisional results from a fiercely contested presidential election between President Embaló and opposition challenger Fernando Dias.
The vote, already marred by allegations of irregularities, had heightened political tensions nationwide.
Witnesses reported hearing sustained gunfire near the electoral commission headquarters, the presidential palace, and the interior ministry throughout Wednesday, November 26.
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The gunfire reportedly lasted around an hour before subsiding at approximately 1400 GMT, according to accounts provided to a Reuters journalist.
President Embaló later confirmed to the media that he had been arrested by uniformed men who stormed the palace while he was in his office.
His current location and condition remain unclear.
Guinea-Bissau, a nation of around two million people, has experienced repeated coups and attempted coups since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974.
The latest takeover is likely to heighten regional and international concerns about democratic backsliding in West Africa, where a wave of military uprisings in recent years has destabilized several countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Further updates are expected as the situation continues to develop.
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