A group of military officers has announced they have taken control of Guinea-Bissau, following reports of the arrest of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. Gunfire was reported in the capital, Bissau, around 13:00 GMT on Wednesday, though the circumstances surrounding the shooting and any casualties remain unclear. Government sources indicated to the BBC that Embaló had been detained.
This development occurs just three days after a presidential election, in which the main opposition candidate faced disqualification. Both President Embaló and his primary rival, Fernando Dias, have claimed victory, with results expected on Thursday.
Witnesses reported that many residents fled the area seeking safety as the gunfire erupted. Subsequently, army officers addressed the nation via state television, announcing the formation of “the High Military Command for the Restoration of Order” and asserting their authority over the West African country until further notice. They urged the population to “remain calm.”
Guinea-Bissau, a former Portuguese colony, has a population of nearly two million people and is considered one of the poorest nations globally. The country has experienced nine coups or attempted coups since 1980. Notably, there have been two previous attempts to oust President Embaló, the most recent of which took place in December 2023.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0edww3qgq2o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss