General Horta N'Tam has been sworn in as the transitional head of state in Guinea-Bissau for a period of one year. This development occurred one day after the military announced it had seized power, suspending the electoral process and blocking the expected release of presidential election results from Sunday's vote.
The military takeover occurred on Wednesday, with a group of officers appearing on state television to declare control of the country. Reports indicated that President Umaro Sissoco Embal贸 had been arrested. Gunshots were reported in the capital, Bissau, though details regarding casualties or specific parties involved were not immediately clear. The military officers stated their actions were aimed at thwarting a plot by unnamed politicians, allegedly supported by a drug baron, to destabilize the nation. They also announced the closure of borders and imposed a night-time curfew.
Civil society groups in Guinea-Bissau, including the Popular Front coalition, have alleged that President Embal贸 orchestrated a 'simulated coup' with military assistance. These groups claimed the maneuver was designed to prevent the publication of election results, particularly if Embal贸 were to lose. President Embal贸 has not publicly responded to these specific allegations. Previously, he has stated surviving multiple coup attempts during his tenure, while critics have accused him of fabricating crises to suppress dissent. Guinea-Bissau, situated between Senegal and Guinea, has experienced at least nine coups or attempted coups since its independence from Portugal in 1974. The country is recognized as a key transit point for drug trafficking.
Prior to the military intervention, election results were anticipated on Thursday. Both President Embal贸 and his primary rival, Fernando Dias, had claimed victory in the presidential election. Dias had received support from former Prime Minister Domingos Pereira, who had been disqualified from running. On Wednesday afternoon, President Embal贸 reportedly stated to France 24 that he had been "deposed." Sources subsequently reported the detention of Dias, Pereira, and Interior Minister Botch茅 Cand茅. Additionally, army chief General Biague Na Ntan and his deputy, General Mamadou Tour茅, were reportedly taken into custody by the putschists.
International bodies have reacted to the situation. Leaders from election observation missions of the African Union and the West African bloc Ecowas issued a joint statement expressing concern over the coup announcement. They noted that the election process had been 'orderly and peaceful' and that both leading candidates had assured them of their willingness to accept the results. Portugal, the former colonial ruler, urged a return to constitutional order and called for all parties to refrain from institutional or civic violence.
President Embal贸, 53, had aimed to be the first president in 30 years to secure a second consecutive term. His legitimacy had been questioned by the opposition, who argued his term should have concluded in February 2025. Guinea-Bissau, with a population exceeding two million, is classified as one of the world's poorest nations. Its numerous uninhabited coastal islands have made it a significant transit point for cocaine moving from Latin America to Europe, leading the UN to describe it as a 'narco-state'.