By Ghazali Ibrahim
In a dramatic turn of events on November 26, 2025, senior army officers in Guinea‑Bissau declared they have taken full control of the country, effectively staging a coup just days after a disputed presidential election.
The takeover was announced on state television, moments after heavy gunfire erupted near the electoral commission headquarters, the presidential palace and the interior ministry in the capital, Bissau.
A military statement declared the formation of the High Military Command for the Restoration of Order, which will govern “until further notice.”
Borders have been closed, a nationwide curfew imposed, and the electoral process suspended indefinitely.
Authorities confirmed that incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, along with senior military and government officials, have been detained.
The coup follows tightly contested elections held on November 23, in which Embaló and rival candidate Fernando Dias da Costa both declared victory before official results were due.
Brigadier‑General Denis N’Canha who is the head of the presidential military office and the face of the takeover told reporters the move was necessary to restore order following what he described as a plot involving “national drug lords” and external actors aiming to subvert the electoral outcome.
He said all media broadcasts had been suspended and urged citizens to remain calm.
The coup adds to Guinea‑Bissau’s long record of political instability. Since independence in 1974, the country has experienced at least nine coups or coup attempts.
The speed and decisiveness of Wednesday’s military action have drawn concern across Africa and beyond, with many calling for a return to constitutional order and respect for democratic processes.
As the nation holds its breath, the world watches awaiting signs on whether the military will restore civilian rule or prolong its grip on power joining other African countries like Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso that had embrace military junta in recent years.
