GUINEA-BISSAU ARMY CLAIMS TOTAL CONTROL AS PRESIDENT DEPOSED FOLLOWING GUNFIRE IN CAPITAL

The political stability of Guinea-Bissau has collapsed following a swift military takeover on 26 November 2025. Army officers, identifying themselves as the “High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order,” appeared on state television to announce they had taken “total control” of the state (Al Jazeera). The junta’s statement declared the immediate suspension of the national constitution and the ongoing electoral process, just one day before official results from the disputed presidential vote were due to be announced.

The military command of Guinea-Bissau justified the seizure of power by alleging the discovery of a conspiracy to destabilise the nation. According to the statement read by military spokesperson Dinis N’Tchama, the plot involved “national politicians,” foreign nationals and a “well-known “drug lord”, aiming to manipulate the election outcomes (APA News). To secure their hold on power, the military has ordered the closure of all land, sea, and air borders and imposed a nationwide curfew from 21:00 to 6:00.

President Embaló Detained Amidst Capital Gunfire

The coup in Guinea-Bissau was preceded by heavy gunfire in the capital, Bissau, particularly around the presidential palace and the headquarters of the National Electoral Commission. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló confirmed his detention in a telephone call to French media, stating he had been arrested at the presidential palace by soldiers led by the army chief of staff (APA News). While he reported being treated well, his detention marks the effective decapitation of the civilian government.

Witnesses reported chaotic scenes in the capital as residents fled the sound of automatic weapons fire. The military quickly secured strategic locations, including the main road leading to the presidency. The coup interrupts a tense electoral standoff between President Embaló and his main rival, Fernando Dias. Both candidates had prematurely claimed victory in the November 24 election, creating a volatile political vacuum that the military has now filled (SANA).

International Condemnation And Concern

The sudden disruption of the democratic process has drawn sharp rebuke from the international community. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, expressed “deep concern” over the events, calling on all stakeholders to exercise restraint and respect the rule of law (AA).

Similarly, the heads of international electoral observer missions, including those from the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (hereinafter: ECOWAS), have deplored the military's intervention. In a joint statement, they condemned the “blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process” and demanded the immediate restoration of constitutional order (AA). The observers noted that the elections had been conducted relatively peacefully prior to the military’s interference, assessing the sudden takeover a severe setback for the region’s democratic stability.

Concluding Forecast

The establishment of the High Military Command plunges Guinea-Bissau into a period of uncertainty.

• Prolonged Transition: The military is likely to announce a transitional government structure in the coming days. Given the allegations of a “drug lord” conspiracy, the junta may use this narrative to justify an extended suspension of civilian rule and a crackdown on political figures perceived as threats.
• Regional Sanctions: ECOWAS is expected to impose strict sanctions on the junta, potentially including border closures and financial freezes. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen, as similar sanctions in other West African nations have recently failed to reverse military coups.
• Civil Unrest: With both leading presidential candidates having claimed victory, their respective bases may mobilise against the military takeover. The suspension of the election results denies closure to the electorate, increasing the risk of street protests and violent clashes between military forces and civilian supporters of the deposed political factions.

With the coup in Guinea-Bissau, an additional destabilisation hub has been added to the African continent. However, the outcome of the coup heavily depends on the political legitimacy of the military intervention. While the situation in Sudan is drastically deteriorating, the Sahel nations, for example, show examples of legitimate government takeovers in the name of their respective populations.