Flights in and out of Guinea-Bissau were suspended following the military takeover, leaving the African leaders and several election observers stranded. The leaders were in the country on an election observation mission ahead of the announcement of results from a tightly contested presidential election.
The army declared control on state television, announcing the suspension of the electoral process, border closures, and a curfew. Spokesperson Diniz N’Tchama said the officers formed “The High Military Command for the Restoration of Order” to lead the country until further notice. President Umaro Sissoco Embalo confirmed he had been deposed.
The political situation sparked panic in the capital, Bissau, as heavy gunfire was reported near the presidential palace. The electoral commission had been scheduled to release provisional results from Sunday’s election in which Embalo faced challenger Fernando Dias. Both candidates had declared victory.
Election observers, including Jonathan, Nyusi, and the head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, Issifu Kamara, condemned the coup. In a joint statement, they described the military action as “a blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process” and urged the immediate release of detained election officials to allow the vote to conclude.
Guinea-Bissau has a history of political instability, having experienced at least nine coups and attempted takeovers since independence in 1974. Observers stressed the need for calm, restoration of constitutional order, and protection of citizens during the crisis.
