Coup: “We Have Taken Total Control of the Country,” Guinea-Bissau Military Officers Announce After Arresting President

Guinea-Bissau plunged deeper into crisis on Wednesday after military officers announced they had taken “total control” of the country, hours after the arrest of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and several top officials. The declaration came three days after a disputed presidential and legislative election that had already heightened tension across the West African nation.

Gunfire was heard earlier in the day near the presidential palace in Bissau as soldiers blocked the main road leading to the complex. Residents reported seeing heavily armed personnel moving through the area before the situation escalated. Embaló was later detained at the palace along with the Armed Forces Chief of Staff, General Biaguê Na Ntan; his deputy, General Mamadou Touré; and Interior Minister Botché Candé.

Military officers read out a statement at army headquarters announcing that they were suspending the electoral process and closing national borders, insisting the intervention was necessary to “restore order.” Journalists present said the officers gave no timeline for restoring civilian authority.

The arrests follow a fiercely contested election in which Embaló and opposition figure Fernando Dias both claimed victory. The vote had already sparked controversy after the main opposition candidate was barred from running, a move that deepened political divisions and fuelled suspicion over the credibility of the process.

Guinea-Bissau, a country of about 2.1 million people, has endured repeated coups and political instability since its independence from Portugal.

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