In a sudden and dramatic move, Guinea-Bissau's military has taken power, removing President Umaro Sissoco Embaló from office. The action has thrown the West African nation into fresh uncertainty. The military has suspended all state institutions and set up a temporary government. This coup happened on Wednesday. By Thursday, General Horta Nta Na Man, who used to lead the presidential guard, was sworn in as the new leader. He promised a one-year transition period. This military takeover stopped the country's electoral process immediately after a disputed presidential vote.
The power grab was announced by Brigadier General Denis N’Canha. He leads a new group called the "High Military Command for the Restoration of Order." In a speech on television, he explained the army's actions. He said they needed to stop attempts to "manipulate electoral results." He also claimed there was a plot by politicians, with the support of a known drug baron, to destabilize the country. During the takeover, gunfire was heard near important government buildings in the capital. The army has since imposed a curfew and closed the country's borders.
This event is the ninth coup or attempted coup in Guinea-Bissau since it became independent from Portugal in 1974. This highlights the country's long history of political instability. The nation is also very poor, with an average yearly income of only $963. It is also known as a major stop for cocaine traffickers moving drugs between Latin America and Europe, which is often linked to its political problems.
However, not everyone believes the military's story. A group of civil society organizations and the main opposition candidate, Fernando Dias, have made different accusations. They suggest that President Embaló, who wanted a second term, might have planned a "fake coup." Their theory is that he could use this as an excuse to cancel the election results if they were not in his favor. Both Embaló and Dias had already said they won the election, which international observers first said was peaceful.
The international response has been quick and critical. The African Union and the regional group ECOWAS have demanded the immediate release of President Embaló and other officials. This coup is a major test for ECOWAS, which has faced several military takeovers in West Africa recently. With the military now in charge for an unknown period, the future of Guinea-Bissau's fragile democracy is uncertain, resting in the hands of the generals.