Guinea-Bissau Rocked By Coup D’etat, Electoral Process Suspended

Guinea-Bissau Rocked By Coup D’etat, Electoral Process Suspended

Executive Summary Guinea-Bissau has been plunged into political turmoil following a sudden coup d’état on November 26, 2025. Military officers have declared “total control” of the West African nation, suspended the electoral process, and arrested President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. Borders have been closed, a curfew imposed, and the country’s fragile democratic trajectory has been abruptly halted.

Background and Context Guinea-Bissau, long considered one of West Africa’s most coup-prone states, had just held general elections three days prior to the military takeover. The polls were already marred by controversy, with opposition candidates disqualified and both Embaló and his rival Fernando Dias claiming victory. The results were expected to be announced on Thursday, but the coup preempted the process, effectively nullifying the vote.

Events of November 26, 2025 Heavy gunfire erupted near the presidential palace in Bissau around midday, prompting panic among civilians who fled the area. Armed soldiers quickly took control of key roads leading to the palace. Brigadier General Denis N’Canha, head of the presidential military office, appeared before the press to announce that a command structure composed of all branches of the armed forces was assuming leadership of the country “until further notice”.

Shortly afterward, reports confirmed that President Embaló had been detained. In a dramatic twist, Embaló himself phoned international media outlets, including France 24 and Jeune Afrique, declaring, “I have been deposed.” His statement underscored the gravity of the situation and the complete collapse of civilian authority.

Immediate Consequences The military has suspended the electoral process, closed Guinea-Bissau’s borders, and imposed a nationwide curfew. Soldiers are patrolling the streets of Bissau, and the atmosphere remains tense. The fate of detained officials, including Embaló, remains uncertain, though military sources claim he is being “well-treated”.

The coup has sparked widespread fear among citizens, many of whom fled in vehicles and on foot during the gunfire. The suspension of elections has left the country without a clear political path forward, deepening instability in a nation already plagued by decades of coups, corruption, and weak institutions.

Regional and International Reactions As of now, regional bodies such as ECOWAS and the African Union have yet to issue formal statements, but Guinea-Bissau’s history suggests strong condemnation will follow. The international community is expected to call for the restoration of constitutional order, though the military’s firm grip on power complicates prospects for immediate resolution.

At This Point The November 2025 coup in Guinea-Bissau represents a dramatic setback for democratic governance in West Africa. With the electoral process suspended, the president arrested, and the military in control, the country faces an uncertain future. The unfolding crisis highlights the fragility of Guinea-Bissau’s institutions and the persistent challenge of military interference in politics.