What You Need to Know
On November 26, 2025, Guinea-Bissau experienced a military coup as army officers ousted President Omar Sissoco Embalo following recent elections. The military announced the closure of all borders and stated they would manage the state until further notice, citing political chaos as the reason for their actions.
Africa. On November 26, 2025, Guinea-Bissau, a small country in West Africa, witnessed dramatic developments as army officers announced the ousting of President Omar Sissoco Embalo and took control of the government, just days after the general elections held on the 23rd of this month.
Gunfire was heard near the presidential palace in the capital, Bissau, while the president himself confirmed that he had been detained by the army chief of staff, in what has been described as a full military coup.
According to reports from a local source, the officers announced the closure of all land, sea, and air borders, stating that they had formed a “Supreme Military Command to Restore Order” and would manage the state until further notice.
A military officer was quoted as saying, “We have decided to save the nation from political chaos, and we will not allow the will of the people to be falsified,” referring to the disputes that followed the recent elections.
Another officer stated that “the armed forces are now the only guarantor of stability in Guinea-Bissau,” reflecting the military’s intention to assert control over the next phase.
This coup comes amid a long history of political instability in Guinea-Bissau, which has seen more than 10 successful and failed coup attempts since its independence from Portugal in 1974.
President Embalo, who came to power in 2020, was seeking re-election amid repeated allegations of electoral manipulation and weak democratic institutions.
The military’s announcement of his ousting reflects the continued influence of the military institution in political life, raising concerns about the country entering a new phase of chaos.
Regional organizations such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have expressed deep concern, calling for the immediate release of the president and the restoration of constitutional order.
They warned that the continuation of the coup could threaten regional security and impact stability in the Sahel region, which is already facing security challenges related to terrorism and organized crime.
So far, the officers have not announced a clear plan for managing the transitional phase or set a date for new elections, leaving the country’s future uncertain.
As citizens anxiously await their fate, the question remains whether Guinea-Bissau will be able to break the cycle of repeated coups or remain trapped in a spiral of political instability.
Guinea-Bissau has a long history of political instability since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. The country has experienced numerous coups, both successful and unsuccessful, contributing to a fragile political landscape. The military has often played a significant role in governance, undermining democratic institutions and processes.
The recent coup against President Omar Sissoco Embalo, who took office in 2020, underscores the persistent influence of the military in Guinea-Bissau’s politics. Amid allegations of electoral manipulation and weak democratic frameworks, the military’s intervention raises concerns about the future of governance and stability in the nation.
