Guinea-Bissau's Military Seizes Power Amid Election Crisis
In a shocking turn of events, Guinea-Bissau's military has taken "total control" of the West African country just three days after disputed presidential elections. The military officers, who have formed a high command to restore order, claim they will rule the nation until further notice.
The situation escalated earlier this week when shots were heard near key government buildings in Bissau, the capital city. However, it remains unclear who was responsible for the gunfire, with both presidential candidates, Umaro Sissoco Embaló and Fernando Dias, accusing each other of orchestrating the violence.
Election officials had planned to announce provisional results on Thursday, but now the process has been suspended as the military tightens its grip on power. The country's borders have also been closed.
This latest coup marks the fifth attempt at a military takeover in Guinea-Bissau since it gained independence from Portugal in 1974. The nation's economic situation is dire, with an average yearly income of just $963 per person in 2024, according to the World Bank.
Guinea-Bissau has struggled with instability and corruption throughout its history. The country was labelled a "narco state" by the UN in 2008 due to its involvement in the global cocaine trade. The Bijagós archipelago, which lies off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, is believed to have provided a hub for Colombian drug cartels.
The disputed election results have highlighted the deep-seated tensions between the incumbent president and his main rival. Embaló was seeking re-election on a promise to become the first president to win a second term in power in three decades. However, Dias claimed victory in the first round of elections, sparking the violence that led to the military's intervention.
The situation in Guinea-Bissau remains fluid, with both candidates claiming to be in control. The international community is watching with concern as the country teeters on the brink of chaos.
In a shocking turn of events, Guinea-Bissau's military has taken "total control" of the West African country just three days after disputed presidential elections. The military officers, who have formed a high command to restore order, claim they will rule the nation until further notice.
The situation escalated earlier this week when shots were heard near key government buildings in Bissau, the capital city. However, it remains unclear who was responsible for the gunfire, with both presidential candidates, Umaro Sissoco Embaló and Fernando Dias, accusing each other of orchestrating the violence.
Election officials had planned to announce provisional results on Thursday, but now the process has been suspended as the military tightens its grip on power. The country's borders have also been closed.
This latest coup marks the fifth attempt at a military takeover in Guinea-Bissau since it gained independence from Portugal in 1974. The nation's economic situation is dire, with an average yearly income of just $963 per person in 2024, according to the World Bank.
Guinea-Bissau has struggled with instability and corruption throughout its history. The country was labelled a "narco state" by the UN in 2008 due to its involvement in the global cocaine trade. The Bijagós archipelago, which lies off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, is believed to have provided a hub for Colombian drug cartels.
The disputed election results have highlighted the deep-seated tensions between the incumbent president and his main rival. Embaló was seeking re-election on a promise to become the first president to win a second term in power in three decades. However, Dias claimed victory in the first round of elections, sparking the violence that led to the military's intervention.
The situation in Guinea-Bissau remains fluid, with both candidates claiming to be in control. The international community is watching with concern as the country teeters on the brink of chaos.
anyway didnt u know that guinea bissau had some major issues with the cocaine trade? like their whole country is basically a narco state 
it makes sense though why there'd be so much instability and corruption going on. and now its just 5 military coups since they became independent lol 1974, what a wild time for africa 
They're going through like this fifth military coup or something and it's just heartbreaking thinking about the state of their country - $963 a year is insane!!! 
And to think they were trying to get more economic stability with Embaló's re-election promise... what even is that now?! 
They need serious international help stat! 
what a mess 
ugh and can't they even handle their own bloody finances? $963 per yr average income 
. With an average income of $963 per person, it's no wonder people are desperate for change.
. I just hope someone steps in soon to restore order and stability. The international community needs to do something ASAP 
and does anyone know what's gonna happen now? will dias or embaló be president again? it's like, can't they just have a peaceful election without all this drama 
. Like, who needs democracy and free elections when you can have a strongman like Umaro Sissoco Embaló? He's definitely got the leadership skills to turn Guinea-Bissau around from its current economic rut 
. I mean, who needs checks and balances when you've got a brave leader like Embaló leading the way? 
! seriously though, it's like they're playing a game of musical chairs, but instead of chairs, it's their power and control 
anyway, hope the international community steps in to calm this down, 'cause this situation is getting out of hand like a bad joke at a comedy club 
they need stability and not this coup drama it's like they're stuck in a never ending loop of power struggles 
and what's with the disputed election results? can't they just sort out their differences peacefully? 
ugh poor guinea-bissau they got one bad election after another 
can't even get a decent economy goin. $963 per person average yearly income 
after inflation 
anyway hope everything gets resolved soon before it's too late 
Guinea-Bissau needs help, stat! 
But seriously though, this is super concerning. I hope the international community steps in to help restore order and stability. 
And can we please just get some decent news for a change? 
it's like the country is being run by people who don't care about their citizens' well-being. 
. The fact that both presidential candidates are accusing each other of orchestrating the violence is just adding fuel to the fire