In a development that has sparked regional controversy, the military intervention in Guinea-Bissau that displaced President Umaro Sissoco Embaló is being characterized as a fabricated coup by prominent West African figures. The political upheaval occurred precisely as the nation awaited official results from its recent presidential election, with military authorities subsequently suspending the electoral process and preventing the release of outcomes.
Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan have jointly expressed skepticism regarding the nature of the power transition. Jonathan, who headed an election observation mission from the West African Elders Forum, notably described the event as a ‘ceremonial coup’ rather than a genuine military takeover. He highlighted the unusual circumstance of President Embaló personally announcing his own deposition to France 24 television, contrasting this with established patterns of regional coups.
The ousted leader arrived in Senegal via military transport late Thursday following his release by the armed forces that overthrew his administration. Meanwhile, General Horta N’Tam has been proclaimed transitional president and has appointed former Finance Minister Ilídio Vieira Té as prime minister.
The military justification centers on claims of preventing a destabilization plot allegedly supported by unidentified politicians and a known drug trafficker. However, these assertions remain unsubstantiated by publicly presented evidence.
International response has been swift, with both the African Union and ECOWAS regional bloc suspending Guinea-Bissau’s membership in response to the unconstitutional power change. These organizations have concurrently urged military forces to return to their barracks and restore constitutional order.
Citizen reactions in the capital city of Bissau reflect profound division. While some residents expressed frustration over renewed instability, others cautiously welcomed military intervention as a potential catalyst for improved living conditions in a nation historically plagued by political volatility and drug trafficking influences.