Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Mozambican President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi were among several high-profile dignitaries trapped in Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday after the country’s military announced that it had seized power.
The African leaders, who were in the country on an election observation mission, were confirmed to be safe as of Wednesday night, but were unable to leave after all flights were suspended and communication with state authorities became impossible.
Many international observers scheduled to depart on Wednesday and Thursday were also stranded.
Military Takes Over Ahead of Election Results
A group of military officers appeared on state television declaring that they had removed President Umaro Sissoco Embalo from office, halted the electoral process, sealed all borders, and imposed a curfew.
The announcement came just a day before provisional results from a highly contested presidential election were expected to be released.
Speaking on France 24 shortly after the army’s broadcast, Embalo confirmed:
“I have been deposed.”
The officers, speaking through spokesperson Diniz N’Tchama, said they had formed a new governing body called the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order.” They offered no details about the president’s whereabouts, and it remained unclear whether the entire military was behind the coup or whether the faction held full control of the country.
Gunfire Reported Near Key Government Buildings
Reports from Bissau indicated that gunshots were heard near the electoral commission headquarters, the presidential palace, and the interior ministry shortly before the coup announcement. Witnesses described scenes of panic as residents rushed for safety.
No casualties had been confirmed by press time.
Contested Election and Claims of Manipulation
The country’s electoral commission had been preparing to release provisional results from Sunday’s vote, in which Embalo was challenged by Fernando Dias. Both sides had already claimed victory.
A spokesperson for Embalo accused gunmen linked to Dias of attacking the electoral commission to stop the results from being announced—an allegation Dias’s camp dismissed.
Former Prime Minister Domingos Simoes Pereira, who supports Dias, said the candidate was meeting with election observers when the gunfire erupted and had no connection to the unrest.
Long History of Instability
Guinea-Bissau, a nation of about two million people, has experienced repeated coups and attempted coups—at least nine since 1974, when it gained independence from Portugal. Embalo, who took office in 2020, has claimed to have survived three coup attempts during his presidency, although critics argue he often exaggerates crises to justify crackdowns.
African Observers Condemn Coup Attempt
In a joint statement, leaders of the African Union Election Observation Mission, ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, and the West African Elders Forum condemned the military takeover and the arrest of officials overseeing the electoral process.
The statement, signed by Jonathan, Nyusi, and ECOWAS mission head Issifu Kamara, praised the peaceful voting process but warned that the coup threatened to undermine significant democratic progress.
“We deplore this blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process and the gains achieved so far,” the observers said.
“We urge the African Union and ECOWAS to take steps to restore constitutional order and demand the immediate release of detained officials so the electoral process can continue.
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