Guinea-Bissau Military Takes Over, Arrests President, Halts Elections Amid Post-Vote Turmoil

The military in Guinea-Bissau took full control on Wednesday. President Umaro Sissoco Embalo was arrested. Borders were closed. The electoral process was suspended. The move came just three days after general elections. Key opposition figures had already been excluded. Heavy gunfire erupted near the presidential palace as soldiers secured main roads.

General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, said all branches of the armed forces would take command “until further notice.” He spoke surrounded by armed troops. Embalo, who was favored for re-election, was held at general-staff headquarters. He was reportedly treated well. The military also detained the chief of staff, the interior minister, and opposition leader Domingos Simoes Pereira. Pereira had supported another candidate after being barred from the ballot.

The army cited a plan involving national drug lords and weapons meant to destabilize the country. Authorities halted all media broadcasts. A curfew was imposed. Land, air and sea borders were closed. By evening, Bissau’s streets were deserted. Soldiers controlled all major thoroughfares. Guinea-Bissau is among the world’s poorest nations. It is also a hub for drug trafficking between Latin America and Europe.

The National Electoral Commission was attacked by unidentified armed men. The UN, ECOWAS, and African Union reacted with concern. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for restraint. He urged respect for the rule of law. Portugal asked for elections to resume peacefully. ECOWAS, the African Union and West African Elders Forum condemned the takeover. They described it as a direct threat to democracy.

Guinea-Bissau has a long history of coups. Its last presidential election in 2019 sparked a four-month crisis. The West African region has seen similar unrest. Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Guinea all experienced military interventions. Analysts warn the country now faces uncertainty. Governance could weaken. Security challenges could rise. Democratic processes may be delayed.