Guinea-Bissau Military Coup: A New Leader Installed
The political landscape of Guinea-Bissau faced a seismic shift as soldiers installed a new military leader. This forceful takeover followed a contentious presidential election and led to President Umaro Sissoco Embalo fleeing to Senegal.
- Advertisement -
- Gen. Horta Inta-A named head of a transitional military government for one year.
- Embalo safely arrived in Senegal; Dakar coordinates with Guinea-Bissau for constitutional restoration.
- Controversies surround the Nov. 23 presidential vote, with both main candidates claiming victory.
The Aftermath of the Disputed Election
Following the disputed election, the political tension in Guinea-Bissau escalated sharply. Opposition candidate Fernando Dias accused Embalo of orchestrating the coup to stay in power.
- Dias claims to have escaped attempts to detain him and promises to challenge the military takeover.
- Inta-A, previously Embalo’s ally, justifies the coup by citing political paralysis.
Allegations and Unverified Claims
The military claimed it uncovered plans to rig the election results, involving politicians, foreign nationals, and drug traffickers. These accusations remain unverified by independent parties.
- Guinea-Bissau is notorious for drug trafficking, contributing to its political instability.
- The military takeover marks the country’s latest upheaval following multiple past coups.
International Reactions and Concerns
Global organizations and countries swiftly condemned the coup, urging a return to constitutional rule. The political upheaval poses risks of setting a precedent in West Africa.
- African Union and ECOWAS demand the unconditional release of Embalo and restoration of order.
- U.N. and nations like France call for respect of electoral processes.
State of the Nation
Despite the leadership change, normalcy is gradually returning to Bissau with lifted curfews and reopened public facilities. Yet public fear remains pervasive amidst lingering political uncertainty.
- Residents like Mamadou Woury Diallo express discontent with recurring crises.
- Gen. Tomas Djassi appointed as new chief of general staff, indicating continuity within the military.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
