What You Need to Know
Omar Sissoko Embalo, the ousted president of Guinea-Bissau, has arrived in Brazzaville, Congo, after a military coup that overthrew his government. The coup occurred just before the announcement of presidential and legislative election results, exacerbating political instability in the Portuguese-speaking nation.
Africa. Omar Sissoko Embalo, the ousted president of Guinea-Bissau, has arrived in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo, after days following the military’s seizure of power, according to a source close to him.
Soldiers overthrew Embalo’s government on Wednesday, just before the announcement of the presidential and legislative election results held over the weekend, leading to ongoing political instability in this small Portuguese-speaking nation.
Embalo initially left Bissau for neighboring Senegal on a private flight, where military officers appointed General Horta Inta as the transitional president on Thursday.
The source, who requested anonymity, confirmed Embalo’s presence in Brazzaville without providing further details. The news was previously reported by a local source, citing Congolese government sources.
Statements made by Ousmane Sonko may have hastened his decision to leave the country. Last Friday, before members of parliament, without naming him, the Senegalese Prime Minister criticized the former president of Guinea-Bissau, stating, “It must be said that what happened was a ruse. The electoral commission must continue its work to ensure the winner is declared.”
In Brazzaville, Embalo arrived in a country he knows well and values. Furthermore, he has a very close relationship with the head of state, Denis Sassou Nguesso, who informed him of the ongoing coup on Wednesday. In Brazzaville, where he arrived with twelve people—comprising associates and relatives—Omar Sissoko Embalo is currently staying in a luxury hotel.
Guinea-Bissau, located between Senegal and Guinea (Conakry), has witnessed four military coups and numerous attempted coups since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. The announcement of election results has often been contested.
Guinea-Bissau has a tumultuous political history marked by instability and military coups. Since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, the country has experienced four military coups and numerous attempted coups, often surrounding the announcement of election results. This ongoing cycle of political turmoil has hindered the nation’s development and governance.
The recent coup against Omar Sissoko Embalo reflects the fragile state of democracy in Guinea-Bissau, where military influence remains strong. The political landscape is further complicated by regional dynamics, including relationships with neighboring countries like Senegal and the role of international observers in the country.
