A group of military officers in Guinea-Bissau has announced they are now in control of the country. This comes right after a tightly contested presidential election where two candidates claimed victory.
The officers, calling themselves the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order,” announced on TV that they are suspending the electoral process indefinitely. They also closed all land, air, and sea borders and imposed a curfew.
This military intervention follows reports of gunfire near key government buildings in Bissau.
Just a day before, both President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and his main challenger, Fernando Dias, claimed they had won the election. Embalo told France24 he felt he had been overthrown and was currently at his army’s headquarters. Meanwhile, reports indicate he and the leader of the opposition party, Domingos Simoes Pereira, have been arrested.
Social media trends show mixed reactions from the public. Some citizens express support for the military’s actions, while others worry about the potential for further violence and instability. The military’s leading officer, Denis N’Canha, was previously the head of the presidential guard, highlighting the irony of the situation.
Historically, Guinea-Bissau has faced numerous coups since its independence from Portugal in 1974. The recent elections were particularly contentious, as the main opposition party was barred from running, raising questions about their legitimacy.
Both Embalo and Dias had declared victory despite minimal evidence. Days earlier, the Portuguese government urged calm and called for respect for institutions as the electoral process unfolds. This situation echoes the aftermath of the last election in 2019, which led to a lengthy crisis as both main candidates claimed they had won.
In recent years, a growing number of military-led takeovers has been observed in West Africa, prompting experts to discuss the causes. According to a 2022 report from the International Crisis Group, political instability, economic hardship, and social unrest are significant triggers for military interventions in the region.
As Guinea-Bissau finds itself amid chaos once again, it’s vital for the international community to keep a close eye on developments and advocate for a peaceful resolution. The people of Guinea-Bissau deserve stability and a transparent electoral process.
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News, Elections, Military, Politics, Africa, Guinea-Bissau
