Military officials have announced that they have taken control in Guinea-Bissau.

The West African nation of Guinea-Bissau has once again plunged into political turmoil. On Wednesday, a faction of army officers declared they had taken control of the country, announcing the deposition of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo. This dramatic move came just one day before the expected announcement of results from a highly contested presidential election. Gunfire was reported in the capital, Bissau, prior to the military's declaration, signaling the severity of the situation.

The Coup and Its Immediate Effects

The military officials, speaking through spokesperson Diniz N'Tchama on state television, announced several sweeping measures:

• Suspension of the electoral process

• Closure of national borders

• Imposition of a curfew

• Formation of "The High Military Command for the Restoration of Order" to govern until further notice

  
  

President Embalo confirmed to France 24 TV that he had been ousted. Reports from security sources suggest that Embalo, along with his main rival Fernando Dias and former Prime Minister Domingos Simoes Pereira, are currently held in custody. The military has not clarified whether all factions within the armed forces support this takeover or if they control the entire country.

Guinea-Bissau, with a population of about 2 million, has a long history of coups and political instability. This latest event adds to the nation’s reputation as one of the most unstable in West Africa.

Historical Context of Instability in Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau has experienced numerous coups since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. The country’s political landscape has been marked by frequent power struggles between military and civilian leaders. This instability has hindered economic development and weakened governance structures.