Post by : Saif Rahman

Guinea-Bissau, a small nation in West Africa, has been rocked by political upheaval yet again. On November 26, 2025, a group of army officers declared the ousting of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo just a day ahead of the anticipated presidential election results. This group identified themselves as "The High Military Command for the Restoration of Order," signaling yet another chapter in the country’s troubled history of coups and instability.

Since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, the West African country has experienced a tumultuous political landscape characterized by unrest, military uprisings, and assassinations that have dictated its leadership.

History of Coups and Political Turmoil:

November 1980 – Initial Coup: In a bloodless takeover, Prime Minister João Bernardo Vieira overthrew President Luís Cabral, resulting in executions and detentions of several military figures accused of plotting subsequent coups.

June 1998 – Civil War Triggered by Failed Coup: A failed military revolt led to a civil war after Vieira dismissed Brigadier-General Ansumane Mane.

May 1999 – Vieira's Fall: General Mane compelled Vieira to step down following a prolonged conflict.

September 2003 – President Yala Ousted: Military clashes resulted in Kumba Yala's removal, subsequently leading to interim leadership until Vieira's return in 2005.

March 2009 – Assassination of Vieira: Vieira was killed by soldiers purportedly loyal to his rival General Batista Tagme Na Waie, after surviving multiple coup attempts.

April 2012 – Military Takeover: Armed forces detained the interim president and election candidates, seizing control before election outcomes could be finalized.

February 2022 – Attempted Coup: An assault on the presidential palace occurred, resulting in President Embalo's survival, though links to drug trafficking were suspected.

December 2023 – Coup Attempt: Embalo dissolved the parliament citing a plot against him; detractors accused him of power consolidation.

October 2025 – Foiled Plot: The army detained officers suspected of plotting to disrupt constitutional order.

November 2025 – Recent Coup: The army announced the removal of President Embalo, casting doubt over the political landscape.

The persistent coups in Guinea-Bissau highlight core issues including fragile democratic foundations, military influence, and the nation’s position as a hub for drug activities. Each military intervention hampers governance, disrupts economic stability, and deeply affects the populace.

Political analysts express concern that the November 2025 military intervention is particularly troubling due to its timing during the electoral period. This unrest may further erode public confidence in the electoral process and stall initiatives toward robust governance.

Despite global calls advocating for a return to civilian administration, Guinea-Bissau’s history reveals that military control often reshapes political dynamics, potentially leading to enduring instability. Observers are keenly attuned to how transitional leaders might restore order and set the stage for trustworthy elections soon.

As Guinea-Bissau grapples with the fallout of political turbulence, curfews, business closures, and ongoing uncertainty loom over daily life. This cyclical pattern of coups emphasizes the pressing need for institutional reforms and enhanced democratic mechanisms to avert future crises.

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