In a significant political development, senior military officer Horta Inta-A assumed the role of transitional president of Guinea-Bissau on Thursday, November 27, 2025, following the armed forces’ declaration of complete state control. The swearing-in ceremony, broadcast live on national radio, marks a pivotal moment for the West African nation.
Inta-A, previously serving as chief of staff of the Guinea-Bissau army and later as special chief of staff to the president since 2023, pledged to address the country’s persistent challenges during his one-year transitional term. In his inaugural address, he emphasized that the military’s intervention was necessary to ‘prevent the disintegration of the state’ amid escalating political instability.
The newly installed leader outlined his administration’s priorities, committing to combat widespread corruption and drug trafficking—two critical issues that have historically undermined national stability and governance. Inta-A extended an appeal for cooperation to all citizens and political factions, urging collective efforts to ensure an orderly transition process.
This political shift occurred just one day after the armed forces announced their complete takeover of state power through a national television broadcast. Military authorities justified their actions as a necessary response to alleged attempts by certain political figures to destabilize the country, though specific details about these alleged destabilization efforts were not provided.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely as Guinea-Bissau, with its history of political volatility and military interventions, enters this period of transitional governance under military leadership.