By Umar Babangida
A dramatic power shift unfolded in Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday after a group of senior army officers announced the suspension of the country’s electoral process and declared that they had taken control of governance “until further notice.”
The officials, identifying themselves as the High Military Command for the Restoration of Order, delivered the announcement in a televised broadcast, signalling the latest military intervention in West Africa’s fragile democratic landscape.
According to Reuters, the officers disclosed that President Umaro Sissoco Embaló had been removed from power. They further announced the closure of national borders, the halting of all electoral activities, and the imposition of a nationwide curfew.
The development emerged just hours before the anticipated release of results from a tightly contested presidential election.
Reports indicate that heavy gunfire erupted near the election commission headquarters and lasted for about an hour. No casualties were recorded as of press time.
Antonio Seidy, spokesperson for President Embaló, said the gunmen targeted the electoral commission to obstruct the announcement of the results. He alleged that the attackers were linked to opposition candidate Mr. Dias.
However, former Prime Minister Domingos Simões Pereira dismissed the claim, insisting that Mr. Dias had no involvement in the attack. Pereira, who endorsed Mr. Dias after losing to President Embaló in the 2019 election, maintained that the candidate was in a meeting when the incident occurred.
The latest events position Guinea-Bissau among several West African states grappling with military takeovers in recent years, including Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Gabon.
Since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, Guinea-Bissau has experienced at least nine coups or attempted coups, with President Embaló assuming office in 2020 after a disputed election.