Tension in Guinea-Bissau as President Embaló Reportedly Arrested Amid Suspected Coup Attempt

Guinea-Bissau was thrown into uncertainty on Wednesday following reports that President Umaro Sissoco Embaló had been arrested by members of the armed forces in what appears to be an unfolding coup attempt. The incident reportedly took place inside the presidential palace in Bissau around midday, according to multiple media sources.

The dramatic development comes just days after a fiercely contested presidential election in which both Embaló and his main challenger declared victory, even before the national electoral commission released official results. The disputed outcome heightened existing political tensions in a country long marked by instability.

Gunfire Around Key Government Sites

Witnesses described sustained gunfire near the presidential palace and around the offices of the National Election Commission, signalling a breakdown of security and a possible clash between rival factions. International wire agencies reported that the sound of automatic weapons could be heard from several neighbourhoods surrounding the capital.

Unconfirmed reports also suggest that senior security officials, including the army chief-of-staff, his deputy, and the Interior Minister, have been detained alongside the president, although the military has not issued a public statement confirming or denying these claims.

Confusion and Silence from Military Leadership

As of Wednesday evening, there was still no official communication from the armed forces or the government, leaving citizens and observers scrambling for clarity. Diplomats in Bissau say the chain of command remains unclear, and it is not yet known which military faction is behind the operation or whether it enjoys broad institutional support.

Observers describe the situation as “fluid and extremely delicate,” with the potential either for a swift consolidation of the coup or for a counter-move from loyalist forces.

A Country with a Troubled History of Coups

Guinea-Bissau has experienced repeated coups, attempted coups, and political assassinations since its independence from Portugal in 1974. Embaló himself survived an armed attack in 2022 that was widely described as an attempted coup.

This latest episode risks plunging the nation into another cycle of instability just when regional organisations such as ECOWAS and the African Union have been under pressure to curb the growing pattern of unconstitutional changes of government across West Africa.

Election Controversy as a Trigger

The 2025 general election, held under tense conditions, may have served as the immediate catalyst. Both leading candidates claimed victory hours after polls closed, and the national electoral commission had yet to publish formal vote tallies at the time of Wednesday’s incident.

Political analysts note that such premature declarations often heighten the risk of military intervention in fragile democracies.

Regional and International Reaction Expected

As the situation evolves, the region is bracing for statements from ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations. Diplomatic missions in Bissau have reportedly advised staff to limit movement.

For now, the streets of the capital remain on edge, with residents monitoring developments closely as rumours continue to circulate. Whether Wednesday’s events mark the start of yet another coup, or a failed attempt that will be reversed in the coming hours, remains to be seen.