Post by : Rameen Ariff

Deposed Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has arrived safely in neighbouring Senegal following his release by the military that overthrew his government earlier this week, Senegalese authorities confirmed. His transfer to Senegal came after negotiations led by the West African regional bloc, Ecowas, aimed at easing tensions in the crisis-hit nation.

The Senegalese foreign ministry said Embaló landed on a chartered military flight late on Thursday and was in good health. Meanwhile, the military in Guinea-Bissau has appointed General Horta N’Tam as the country’s new transitional leader, who is expected to rule for one year. This decision comes just a day after the military seized power, suspending the electoral process and preventing the announcement of provisional results from the presidential and parliamentary elections.

The coup occurred amid heightened political tensions, with both Embaló and his main rival Fernando Dias claiming victory in the Sunday election. The military justified its takeover by citing a plot by unnamed politicians allegedly supported by a well-known drug baron, claiming it aimed to protect the nation from destabilisation. A night-time curfew was imposed, and public protests were banned as soldiers patrolled the capital, Bissau. Most shops and markets remained closed as citizens watched events unfold with apprehension.

Guinea-Bissau, located between Senegal and Guinea, is known for its history of political instability and as a hub for drug trafficking. The military has played a strong role in governance since independence from Portugal in 1974. During the coup, several political figures, including Dias, former Prime Minister Domingos Pereira, and Interior Minister Botché Candé, were reported detained.

After his appointment, General N’Tam stated that the military acted “to block operations that aimed to threaten our democracy.” Shortly thereafter, the military reopened land, air, and sea borders that had been closed following the coup. Meanwhile, some civil society groups suggested that Embaló may have staged a “simulated coup” to prevent the announcement of election results, a claim echoed by his opponent Dias, who asserted he had won about 52% of the vote. Embaló has not publicly addressed these allegations.

During his tenure, the 53-year-old leader survived multiple coup attempts, although critics have accused him of using crises to suppress dissent. Regional and international bodies have responded with concern. Ecowas suspended Guinea-Bissau from all decision-making organs until constitutional order is restored, calling the military’s actions a “grave violation” of the constitution. The African Union also condemned the coup, demanding respect for constitutional governance. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern and urged an “immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order.”

Guinea-Bissau has a long history of political instability, having witnessed at least nine coups or attempted coups over the past fifty years. As the country navigates this latest crisis, the international community continues to push for a peaceful resolution and the reinstatement of democratic governance.

#Global News