Troops take control in Guinea-Bissau, arresting President Embaló

Military officers in Guinea-Bissau say they have seized power and arrested President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, following gunfire in the capital, Bissau.

Appearing on state television, the officers announced the suspension of the ongoing electoral process, closure of the country’s borders, and the imposition of a night-time curfew. They claim their actions were meant to prevent an alleged destabilisation plot backed by unnamed politicians and a “well-known drug baron.”

The country, long affected by political instability and drug trafficking, had been awaiting results from Sunday’s presidential election, with both Embaló and rival Fernando Dias claiming victory.

Government sources report that Dias, former Prime Minister Domingos Pereira, Interior Minister Botché Candé, and senior military leaders have also been detained.

African Union and Ecowas observers expressed deep concern, noting that the election process had been peaceful and that both main candidates had pledged to respect the outcome. Witnesses reported gunfire earlier in the day, prompting residents to flee for safety.

General Denis N’Canha later announced the formation of a “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order.”

Portugal has urged a return to constitutional order. Guinea-Bissau, one of the world’s poorest nations and a known hub for cocaine trafficking, has experienced numerous coups since independence in 1974.

Embaló, who had faced criticism over his legitimacy before the delayed vote, said shortly before his arrest that he had been deposed.