Soldiers have taken control of Guinea-Bissau in a dramatic military coup, appearing on state television to announce the deposition of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and the suspension of all government institutions.
Military announces seizure of power
Military spokesperson Dinis N'Tchama confirmed the takeover in a televised statement on Wednesday 26th November 2025, declaring that the armed forces had decided to "immediately depose the president of the republic". The military action came in response to what Mr N'Tchama described as the discovery of an ongoing plan to destabilise the country through attempted manipulation of electoral results.
The spokesperson claimed the scheme involved "national politicians with the participation of a well-known drug lord, and domestic and foreign nationals", though specific details about the alleged conspiracy were not provided. Guinea-Bissau has long been identified as a significant hub for drug trafficking between Latin America and Europe.
President confirms deposition and arrest
President Umaro Sissoco Embaló confirmed his removal from power during an interview with French television network France 24, stating plainly: "I have been deposed." According to reports from French news outlet Jeune Afrique, the president described the event as a coup led by the army chief of staff and confirmed he had been arrested, though he reportedly did not suffer any violence during the incident.
An international election observer speaking to Associated Press verified that President Embaló had been communicating with people while in military custody. The dramatic developments unfolded amid violent scenes in the capital, with gunfire reported near the presidential palace in Bissau around noon on Wednesday.
Immediate consequences and regional context
The military announced several immediate measures following the seizure of power, including:
- Suspension of the electoral process
- Halting of all media activities
- Closure of the country's borders
A palace official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that armed men had attempted to attack the presidential building, leading to an exchange of gunfire with palace guards. Additional gunshots were heard around the nearby national electoral commission, according to an interior ministry source.
Roads leading to the presidential palace were closed off, with checkpoints established and manned by heavily armed, masked soldiers. The coup comes amid disputed election results, with both President Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias da Costa claiming victory in Sunday's presidential and legislative elections, despite official provisional results not being expected until Thursday.
This represents the latest in a series of coups that have destabilised West Africa in recent years. Guinea-Bissau has experienced four successful coups and numerous attempted ones since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, including another reported attempt just last month.
President Embaló, who was elected in February 2020, was originally due to stand down earlier this year after serving a five-year term. However, the country's supreme court extended his presidency until 4th September, with voting subsequently delayed until this month.
