Guinea-Bissau’s military has deposed the president, closed institutions and imposed a curfew, citing an election rigging plot
BISSAU: The military in Guinea-Bissau announced it has seized power in the West African coastal state.
President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has been deposed and all institutions temporarily closed, according to a statement by officers broadcast on state television.
General Denis N’Canha, the group’s spokesman, said the takeover was necessary after the high command uncovered a plan to rig elections and destabilise the country.
“The high command of the armed forces, to restore national security and public order, has decided to immediately remove the president of the republic from office,” he added.
He claimed politicians and a well-known drug lord were involved in the plot.
The officers also imposed a nighttime curfew.
President Embaló earlier told French magazine Jeune Afrique that he, the interior minister and armed forces chiefs of staff had been arrested at the presidential palace.
He confirmed no violence had been used against him.
Gunshots were heard in the capital, Bissau.
Long-overdue presidential and parliamentary elections took place on Sunday, with both Embaló and his main challenger Fernando Dias declaring victory.
Results of the peaceful vote were due to be published by Thursday.
Former general Embaló, 53, has been in power since 2020 and dissolved parliament at the end of 2023.
His term of office expired months ago.
The main opposition party was excluded from the election and supported independent candidate Dias.
Guinea-Bissau, with about 2.2 million people, ranks among the world’s poorest nations.
The former Portuguese colony has experienced several coups and attempted coups since gaining independence in 1974. – Bernama-dpa
