November 28, 2025, 06:44November 28, 2025, 06:44
After a suspected military coup in Guinea-Bissau, incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló was flown to neighboring West African country Senegal. This was announced by the Senegalese Foreign Ministry. The military in Guinea-Bissau had announced the day before that it had taken power in the coastal state with around 2.2 million inhabitants.
Umaro Sissoco Embaló is no longer in Guinea-Bissau.Image: keystone
At a virtual special summit, the heads of state and government of the West African community of states Ecowas “strongly condemned,” among other things, the attempt to take power by force, the foreign office in Dakar said. They also called for “the restoration of constitutional order” and “the immediate release of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and all detained persons.” A mediation committee from several states should travel to Bissau shortly. In a final statement at their special summit, Ecowas heads of state and government said the country was suspended until a return to constitutional order.
Many backgrounds remain unclear
Much is still unclear about the background to the alleged coup in Guinea-Bissau. Embaló told a French media outlet that he had been arrested by the military. An opposition leader and other high-ranking politicians, military officers and civil servants are also said to have been arrested.
Both Embaló and his most promising opponent declared themselves winners after a presidential election on Sunday. Results had not yet been published.
Guinea-Bissau has experienced several coups and attempted coups since its independence from Portugal in 1974. The military has been heavily involved in politics for many years. According to experts, Guinea-Bissau is also a hub for cocaine smuggling between Latin America and Europe.
The former general Embaló (53) has been in power since 2020 and dissolved parliament at the end of 2023. He has spoken of coup attempts against him several times in the past, most recently in October. His term expired months ago. Critics accuse him of suppressing opposition figures, journalists and human rights activists. (dab/sda/dpa)