Gunfire shakes the streets of Bissau. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló claims soldiers arrested him. This event sparks fears of a coup in Guinea-Bissau.
Chaos in the Capital
Soldiers patrol key areas near the presidential palace. Residents flee as shots ring out around the National Electoral Commission headquarters. Additionally gunfire targets the interior ministry building for about an hour.
President’s Arrest Claim
Embaló states troops detained him around 1 p.m. in his office. He accuses the army chief of staff, General Biaguê Na Ntan, of leading the coup without force. However reports show the general and others, including Deputy Chief Mamadou Touré and Interior Minister Botché Candé, also face arrest.
Military’s Response
Army officers form the High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order. They declare control over the country until further notice. As a result, heavy military presence secures the presidential palace.
Voters cast ballots on November 23 in a tense presidential race. Both Embaló and opponent Fernando Dias de Costa claim first round victories. Meanwhile the official results on November 27 loom on the horizon and spark disagreement.
Competing Narratives
Embaló’s circle accuses the gunman linked to Dias of the attacks. Dias has refuted the allegation and claimed that Embaló has staged the unrest. Furthermore, ex-Prime Minister Domingos Simões Pereira has confirmed Dias’ safety in Bissau.
Current Situation
Panic grips the capital as security deteriorates. Journalists hide during the unrest near vote counting sites. In the end, this coup highlights Guinea-Bissau’s fragile politics after years of instability.
