Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló was arrested by armed men at the presidential palace in Bissau today, marking a dramatic turn of events in the country’s turbulent political landscape. The arrest comes just three days after the presidential election, in which Embaló claimed to have secured 65% of the vote, a claim disputed by his rival Fernando Dias de Costa.
Embaló stated that no force was used during his arrest and accused the army’s chief of staff of orchestrating the coup. Several high-ranking military officials, including the chief of staff, General Biaguê Na Ntan, and the interior minister, Botché Candé, were also taken into custody.
The situation in Bissau remains tense, with gunfire reported near the presidential palace and the National Electoral Commission headquarters. The international community has called for calm and respect for the constitutional order.
Embaló’s arrest is the latest chapter in Guinea-Bissau’s history of instability, with the country having experienced numerous coups and attempted coups since gaining independence in 1974.
He survived a attempted coup in February 2022