Politics Alleged coup: Guinea-Bissau's president flown out
Following a suspected military coup in Guinea-Bissau, acting President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has been flown out to neighboring West African country Senegal. This was announced by the Senegalese Foreign Ministry. The military in Guinea-Bissau had announced the day before that it had taken power in the coastal state with around 2.2 million inhabitants.
28.11.2025, 04:26
SDA
The heads of state and government of the West African community of states Ecowas had "strongly condemned" the attempt to seize power by force at a virtual special summit, the foreign office in Dakar continued. They also called for "the restoration of constitutional order" and "the immediate release of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and all detained persons". A mediation committee of several states is to travel to Bissau shortly. In a final declaration of their special summit, the Ecowas heads of state and government announced that the country was suspended until a return to constitutional order.
Many backgrounds remain unclear
Much is still unclear about the background to the alleged coup d'état in Guinea-Bissau. Embaló told a French media outlet that he had been arrested by the military. An opposition leader and other high-ranking politicians, military officials and civil servants are also said to have been arrested.
Both Embaló and his most promising opponent had declared themselves the winner after a presidential election on Sunday. Results had not yet been published.
Guinea-Bissau has experienced several coups and attempted coups since its independence from Portugal in 1974. The military has been heavily involved in politics for many years. According to experts, Guinea-Bissau is also a hub for cocaine smuggling between Latin America and Europe.
Former General Embaló (53) has been in power since 2020 and dissolved parliament at the end of 2023. He has spoken of coup attempts against him several times in the past, most recently in October. His term of office expired months ago. Critics accuse him of repressing opposition members, journalists and human rights activists.
