Post by : Saif Rahman

The political landscape in Guinea-Bissau has drastically shifted as the military forcibly removed President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, replacing him with Major-General Horta Inta-a as the interim leader. This abrupt coup occurred shortly after the nation's presidential elections, but before the results could be finalized.

This West African nation has experienced recurring coups and political instability, with this being the ninth military intervention in just five years. Concerns are rising that the ongoing turmoil could escalate further.

The military justified the coup, claiming it thwarted attempts by drug traffickers and corrupt politicians to seize control. Although they provided little evidence for their claims, they asserted their actions were necessary to defend “Guinean democracy.”

Major-General Inta-a, appearing in military attire on state television alongside fellow officers, announced a transitional period lasting one year. Shortly after, he swore in Major-General Tomas Djassi as the new chief of staff.

The ousted President Embalo has been evacuated on a flight provided by the West African regional body, ECOWAS, and has arrived in Senegal. His whereabouts were unknown for several hours prior, as the military had indicated he was “under the control” of the High Military Command.

Gunfire was reported by citizens in the capital, Bissau, particularly around the electoral commission and presidential palace during the coup. Local businesses and banks shuttered their doors, leaving residents anxious about safety. One professor expressed deep concern over the inability to access medicines amidst the chaos.

The international community reacted swiftly, with the African Union denouncing the coup and demanding the immediate release of President Embalo and other detained officials. ECOWAS convened a virtual summit to address the crisis, while the European Union called for the continuation of vote counting to ensure electoral integrity.

Fernando Dias, Embalo's main opponent in the election, accused the ousted leader of orchestrating a “false coup attempt” to hinder the announcement of election results. His coalition is calling for the prompt release of these results and the freeing of former Prime Minister Domingos Simoes Pereira, who was arrested during the unrest.

Protests erupted in response to the arrests, but security forces used tear gas to disperse crowds, with reports of live ammunition being fired, though no injuries were documented.

Known as a key route for cocaine trafficking from South America to Europe, Guinea-Bissau has seen a surge in drug-related activities under Embalo’s leadership. Experts warn that major traffickers may have influenced local elections, suggesting the coup may not effectively curb drug networks.

International election observers have also become unaccounted for, with the African Union and ECOWAS reporting misconduct and detention of several monitors. Nigeria’s former president, Goodluck Jonathan, who was in the country for election oversight, has also gone missing. The Nigerian foreign ministry urged coup leaders to ensure the safety of all observers, warning of consequences for those responsible.

As Guinea-Bissau faces yet another leadership upheaval, the region remains on edge, concerned about the prospects of continued coups and political unrest. Currently, the streets are charged with tension, businesses remain closed, and the nation's democratic future hangs precariously in the balance.

#Global News