What You Need to Know
Guinea-Bissau’s capital, Bissau, is witnessing a gradual return to normalcy following a military coup. With reduced military presence, traffic and commercial activities are resuming. The military has appointed a new transitional leader, and reports indicate the reopening of businesses and schools, reflecting a tentative stability despite the recent upheaval.
Africa. Guinea-Bissau’s capital, Bissau, has regained some aspects of normal life as military presence decreases and traffic and commercial activities resume. This follows the announcement by the military council that seized power, appointing a general to lead a transitional phase expected to last one year.
Reports indicate that vehicle movement has resumed, and pedestrian traffic has returned to normal, with shops, restaurants, and small businesses reopening as security measures and military presence in the capital are scaled back.
On Wednesday, the military announced the ousting of President Omar Sissoco Embalo and full control of the country, in addition to suspending the presidential and legislative electoral process that took place on November 23, the results of which have not yet been announced.
The day after the coup, the coup leaders appointed General Horta Neta, Chief of Staff of the Ground Forces, as head of the high military command, tasked with restoring order and ensuring a political transition. On Friday, Neta issued a decree appointing former Finance Minister Elidio Vieira Tche as Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.
On Thursday, the military lifted the nighttime curfew imposed the previous day and announced the reopening of all border points that had been closed since Wednesday afternoon. They also ordered the immediate reopening of schools, markets, and private institutions, reflecting a relative stability despite the coup.
On Thursday evening, the ousted President Embalo arrived in Senegal on a military plane chartered by the Senegalese government, after remaining in an undisclosed location since the coup announcement.
Embalo had stated to French media that he was detained by soldiers near the presidential palace amid gunfire.
In contrast, opposition leader Fernando Dias confirmed on Thursday that he won the recent presidential election, accusing Embalo of orchestrating the coup to avoid announcing his loss.
This coup represents the latest episode in a series of coups that have occurred in West Africa, where democracy faces increasing challenges due to disputed elections. Analysts believe this trend may encourage military interventions in politics.
Several international and African bodies, including the African Union, condemned the coup, while the United Nations stated it is monitoring the situation in Guinea-Bissau “with grave concern.”
Guinea-Bissau has experienced a tumultuous political history marked by frequent coups and instability. The recent military coup, which ousted President Omar Sissoco Embalo, adds to a series of power struggles that have plagued the nation since its independence in 1973. The region of West Africa has seen a worrying trend of military interventions in politics, often triggered by contested elections and governance issues.
The international community, including the African Union and the United Nations, has expressed concern over the situation in Guinea-Bissau.
