Breaking…Soldiers arrest President as fresh coup hits Guinea-Bissau

Months after a wave of military takeovers swept through West Africa — from Niger Republic to Mali and Burkina Faso — Guinea-Bissau may be on the brink of its own political crisis.

A group of soldiers in the country announced that they have taken control of the government, following unconfirmed reports that President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has been arrested.

According to emerging accounts, tension escalated late Sunday with heavy military presence reported around key government facilities in the capital, Bissau. Shortly after, the soldiers released a statement claiming they had assumed authority to “restore order,” though details of the alleged arrest remain unclear.

Tensions have been high since the presidential election three days ago, in which the leading opposition contender was disqualified. Official results were due on Thursday, but both Embaló and his closest challenger, Fernando Dias, have already claimed victory.

Residents in the capital reported hearing shots at around 13:00 GMT on Wednesday, though the circumstances of the incident and whether there were casualties remain unclear.

According to AFP, hundreds of people fled on foot or in vehicles as the shooting began, seeking safety amid the turmoil.

Guinea-Bissau, home to fewer than two million people, is one of the world’s poorest nations.

Since 1980, the former Portuguese colony has experienced nine coups or attempts. Embaló himself has survived two previous attempts to unseat him, most recently in December 2023.