Guinea-Bissau’s armed forces announced on Friday the arrest of several military officers accused of orchestrating a coup attempt. The alleged plot, led by Brig. Gen. Daba Na Walna, director of a military training school, involved senior officers who had been reported missing since Monday. The announcement came just a day before the official start of the general election campaign, raising concerns about the nation’s stability. The armed forces’ General Staff condemned the incident, stating that it threatened the peace and socio-economic development crucial for attracting foreign investment. This marks the second known coup attempt against President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who assumed power in 2020. The details of the accused plotters’ fate remain undisclosed. Guinea-Bissau, a small West African nation, has a history of political instability, with multiple coups since gaining independence from Portugal over 50 years ago. The current political climate is further strained by controversy over Embaló’s term. The opposition claims his term should have ended in February, but the Supreme Court extended it until September. Embaló, however, set the election date for November 30, declaring his first term would last until then. This decision has heightened tensions, with the opposition refusing to recognize his presidency. Earlier this year, a mediation mission from a West African regional bloc abruptly left the country after reportedly facing expulsion threats from Embaló.