Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has arrived in Senegal following his release by military forces that initiated a change of government. This transfer occurred after negotiations involving the regional West African bloc Ecowas. Senegal's foreign ministry confirmed Embaló's arrival in the country on a chartered military flight.
Developments in Guinea-Bissau
The military in Guinea-Bissau has installed Gen Horta N'Tam as the new transitional leader, with a mandate for one year. This action by the military took place a day before the provisional results of a presidential and parliamentary election were scheduled for announcement.
The military has since suspended the electoral process and halted the release of these results. They stated their actions were intended to counter a plot by unnamed politicians, allegedly supported by a drug baron, aimed at destabilizing the country. Following this, borders were closed, and a night-time curfew was implemented.
Context and Reactions
Guinea-Bissau, situated between Senegal and Guinea, has a history of military involvement in its political landscape since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, and is recognized as a significant drug-trafficking location.
Both President Embaló and his closest rival, Fernando Dias, had claimed victory in the recent presidential election. Dias had received support from former Prime Minister Domingos Pereira, who was disqualified from the race. Reports indicated that Dias, Pereira, and Interior Minister Botché Candé had also been detained.
The military administration has prohibited public protests and any actions deemed disruptive to peace and stability within the nation. On Thursday, the capital, Bissau, experienced elevated tension, with many businesses closed and soldiers observed patrolling.
Gen N'Tam, the army's chief of staff, stated during his speech that the military intervened to "block operations that aimed to threaten our democracy." Shortly after his swearing-in, the military reopened the land, air, and sea borders that had been closed.
International bodies including the African Union (AU), Ecowas, and the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have condemned the military's actions. They have called for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order. Guinea-Bissau has experienced at least nine coups or attempted coups over the past five decades.