Members of Guinea-Bissau’s armed forces announced this afternoon that they hold full control of the country. They suspended the electoral process and closed borders, one day before the announcement of provisional results from Sunday’s elections in this West African nation known for frequent coups.
Gunfire erupts near key government buildings
Earlier today at midday, witnesses and media reported intense gunfire near the national electoral commission headquarters, the presidential palace, and the interior ministry. Hundreds of people fled the area on foot and in vehicles, seeking shelter.
Soldiers later occupied the main road leading to the presidential palace. Troops from the presidential guard and an elite gendarmerie unit took control of the area early afternoon, AFP journalists observed.
🇬🇼| Un intento de golpe de Estado sacude Guinea-Bisáu tras la reelección de Umaro Sissoco Embaló. Tiroteos fueron reportados en varias zonas de Bissau y versiones preliminares —aún no verificadas— señalan que el presidente habría sido detenido.
— Radar Austral (@RadarAustral_) November 26, 2025
Los primeros reportes indican que… pic.twitter.com/0SBUDIGsvU
Election uncertainty and historical instability
The country awaited results from Sunday’s presidential and legislative elections. The fate of incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló remained uncertain, as both he and rival Fernando Dias claimed victory in the first round.
Guinea-Bissau has a history of political turmoil, with four successful coups and numerous attempts since independence.
The military made their announcement by reading a statement at army headquarters in the capital Bissau, AFP journalists in the city reported.
The self-styled High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order deposed President Embaló, arrested him without resistance around 13:00 GMT, and accused politicians and a drug baron of plotting to manipulate election results. Opposition leader Dias accused Embaló of staging the coup to cling to power, while ECOWAS and the African Union condemned the takeover and demanded a return to constitutional order.
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