20:17 26-11-2025

Military Coup Claims Control in Guinea-Bissau Crisis

Generals in Guinea-Bissau announce full control, suspend institutions, arrest President Embalo and top officials as borders close and curfew is imposed.

A military coup has unfolded in Guinea-Bissau, where a group of generals announced that they had seized full control of the country. Speaking on national television, they declared that the president was being removed from power and that the work of state institutions and electoral bodies would be suspended.

The officers stated that a new structure — the so-called Higher Military Command for the Restoration of Order — had been formed to run the country until further notice. In their announcement, they confirmed that borders and airspace were shut down and that a curfew had been imposed, set to remain in force until the situation stabilizes and constitutional order is restored.

President Umaro Sissoco Embaló reported that he had been arrested inside his office at the presidential palace. He said the coup was led by the chief of the army’s ground forces. Local media added that several senior officials were detained alongside him, including Chief of the General Staff Biague Na Ntan, his deputy General Mamadu Ture, and Interior Minister Botche Kandé.

The political tension followed the first round of Guinea-Bissau’s presidential election held on 23 November. Both Embaló and his rival, Fernando Dias, claimed victory. Official results were expected to be released on 27 November.

Russia’s embassy in Guinea-Bissau stated that it had no information about any Russian citizens harmed during the coup.