West African Leaders Question Legitimacy of Guinea-Bissau Military Takeover

Guinea-Bissau: Military Seizes Power Amid Disputed Election Results

A military takeover in Guinea-Bissau has led to the ousting of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, with regional political figures questioning the legitimacy of the event. The military announced the suspension of the electoral process and blocked the release of presidential election results, stating its intervention aimed to thwart a plot to destabilize the nation.

President Embaló's removal occurred one day before the anticipated announcement of the election results. Following his release by military forces, Embaló departed for neighboring Senegal on a chartered military flight.

Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan have publicly expressed doubts regarding the authenticity of the military's action. Jonathan, who led an election observer team to Guinea-Bissau, characterized the incident as a "ceremonial coup" and questioned the events leading up to the military's announcement. He specifically noted President Embaló's prior announcement of his own deposition via French television. Sonko stated to lawmakers that "what happened in Guinea-Bissau was a sham." Both leaders demanded the release of the presidential election results but did not provide evidence to support claims that the takeover was fabricated. Embaló has not commented on these allegations.

The military leadership asserted that it intervened to counteract a plot by unidentified politicians, allegedly supported by a "well-known drug baron," to destabilize the country. Guinea-Bissau is known for its history of political instability and issues related to drug trafficking.

On Friday, Guinea-Bissau's transitional leader, General Horta N'Tam, appointed Ilidio Vieira Té, formerly the finance minister, as the new prime minister.

In response to the unconstitutional military takeover, both the African Union (AU) and the West African bloc ECOWAS suspended Guinea-Bissau. ECOWAS urged the military to return to barracks.

Public reactions within Guinea-Bissau have been varied. Some residents expressed dissatisfaction with the situation, with one individual in Bissau stating, "This doesn't help anyone. Because it puts the country into chaos." Others, however, expressed support for the military, hoping for an orderly transition and improved living conditions. A mother of three recounted hearing gunfire and fleeing, noting that despite prior military takeovers, this event was unexpected given the impending election results. Voter turnout for the election was estimated at over 65%.