Military Seizes Power in Guinea-Bissau, President Ousted

Military Coup Overthrows President Embaló in Guinea-Bissau

In a dramatic turn of events, the military has seized control of Guinea-Bissau, overthrowing President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and suspending the country's electoral process. The coup occurred on November 26, 2025, just one day before the electoral commission was scheduled to announce provisional results from Sunday's presidential election.

Military Takes Control

Brigadier General Dinis Incanha, head of the Military Office of the Presidency, led the military takeover, announcing that the armed forces had taken total control of the country. Military officers established the "High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order" and suspended all political institutions. "We have taken control to prevent a plan by politicians and foreign figures to manipulate election results," one military commander stated during a televised announcement.

The military closed international borders, imposed a night-time curfew, and suspended the electoral process indefinitely. Witnesses reported sustained gunfire near key government buildings including the presidential palace, electoral commission headquarters, and interior ministry that lasted for approximately an hour.

Political Context and Background

This marks the ninth coup or attempted coup in Guinea-Bissau since the country gained independence from Portugal in 1974. The West African nation has experienced persistent political instability throughout its history, with the last successful coup occurring in 2012. Political volatility has been fueled by multiple factors including drug trafficking networks, military involvement in politics, and weak democratic institutions.

The coup occurred amid a highly contested presidential election where both incumbent President Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias da Costa claimed victory. The election had already been marred by controversy, with Embaló repeatedly postponing the voting date from its original September schedule and excluding two major opposition parties from participation.

International Response

The African Union immediately condemned the military takeover, demanding the immediate release of President Embaló and all detained officials. "This represents a serious setback for democratic governance in West Africa," stated an AU spokesperson. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) expressed particular concern about the timing, noting that observers had just met with both presidential candidates who had assured them they would accept the election results.

Portugal, the former colonial power, called for calm and urged all parties to avoid violence. The Portuguese Foreign Ministry emphasized that "the normal functioning of institutions must be restored so that the process of counting votes and announcing election results can be completed."

Regional Implications

The coup in Guinea-Bissau represents another challenge to democratic stability in West Africa, a region that has experienced several military takeovers in recent years. According to regional analysts, the military's intervention highlights the persistent challenges of democratic consolidation in countries with strong military traditions and weak civilian institutions.

The capital Bissau remained mostly quiet following the coup, with soldiers patrolling the streets and businesses closed. The military has appointed General Horta Nta Na Man as transitional president, though the international community has not recognized the new military-led government.

This latest political crisis in Guinea-Bissau underscores the fragile nature of democracy in a country that has struggled with governance challenges since independence. The military's intervention threatens to further destabilize a nation already grappling with economic difficulties and persistent security concerns.