Guinea-Bissau Soldiers Announce Seizure of Power Amid Reports of President’s Arrest

A group of military officers in Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday announced that they had taken control of the country, following reports that President Umaro Sissoco Embaló had been arrested in the capital, Bissau.

Government sources told the BBC that the president was detained shortly after gunfire erupted in the city. The incident comes three days after a tense presidential election in which the main opposition candidate was disqualified.

Although official results were expected on Thursday, both Mr Embaló and his closest rival, Fernando Dias, had already declared victory.

Residents reported hearing sustained gunfire around 13:00 GMT. It remains unclear who was involved in the shooting or whether there were casualties. AFP reported that hundreds of people fled on foot and in cars as shots rang out.

Hours later, a group of uniformed officers appeared on state television, announcing the formation of what they called “the High Military Command for the Restoration of Order.” They said the body would take charge of the country “until further notice” and urged citizens to “remain calm.”

Guinea-Bissau, a nation of fewer than two million people, has long struggled with political instability and remains one of the world’s poorest countries. The former Portuguese colony has experienced nine coups or attempted coups since 1980.

President Embaló has survived two previous attempts to overthrow him, the most recent in December 2023. The latest development adds to growing concerns about democratic backsliding and military intervention across West Africa.