In a dramatic turn of events in West Africa, soldiers in Guinea-Bissau have announced on state television that they have taken control of the country — deposing the president, suspending institutions, and suspending the electoral process. nashuatelegraph.com+2Dawn+2
📰 What happened
- On November 26, 2025, armed forces appeared on state TV announcing that they had seized power, hours after gunfire erupted near the presidential palace and the national electoral commission building in the capital, Bissau. Dawn+2Africanews+2
- In the televised statement, the spokes-military — naming themselves the High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order — declared the immediate deposition of Umaro Sissoco Embaló. They also announced the suspension of all state institutions, halted the ongoing electoral process, shut down media operations, imposed a curfew, and closed all land, air, and sea borders. Dawn+2Wikipedia+2
- Embaló later confirmed to French media that he had been arrested and deposed. Reports also indicate that opposition figures and election officials may have been detained. Al Jazeera+2AP News+2
⚠️ Why this matters
- The military’s justification for the takeover centers on allegations of a plot — involving both national and foreign actors — to manipulate election results and destabilize the country. IntelliNews+2Times Union+2
- The coup comes just days after national elections and on the eve of the expected announcement of official results — both the incumbent president and his main challenger had already claimed victory. Africanews+2Times Union+2
- This is not the first time Guinea-Bissau has experienced such upheaval — the country has a long history of instability, coups, and political turbulence since its independence. BostonGlobe.com+2The Business Standard+2
🌍 Regional and global reaction
- The military’s move has raised alarm among regional and global organisations. Observers from the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have expressed deep concern, calling for the immediate release of detained officials and the restoration of constitutional order. Al Jazeera+1
- International actors, including the United Nations, have urged restraint from all stakeholders and stressed the importance of respecting democratic processes and institutions. Al Jazeera+1
🔎 What’s next — uncertainty looms
At this stage, it remains unclear how long the current military junta intends to stay in power, or what the roadmap might be toward restoring civilian rule. With borders closed, media silenced, and elections suspended indefinitely, many in Guinea-Bissau and abroad fear a prolonged period of instability. The crackdown on political actors further deepens worries over human rights and democratic freedoms.
