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Guinea-Bissau Leader's Ousting Called 'Staged' by Regional Figures
Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and Nigeria's former President Goodluck Jonathan have cast doubt on the legitimacy of this week's military removal of Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, calling it a fabricated event. The military seized control on Wednesday, halting the electoral process just hours before official results were due to be announced.
Military Justifies Takeover, Blocks Election Results
The junta claimed it thwarted a plot by unnamed politicians-allegedly backed by a "well-known drug baron"-to destabilize the country. Authorities suspended the vote count and barred the release of results, deepening uncertainty in the fragile West African nation. Embaló, 53, left for neighboring Senegal on Thursday aboard a military flight after his release.
Local civil society groups have accused Embaló of orchestrating a "simulated coup" with military support to avoid potential election defeat. Critics note his history of dissolving parliament in 2023 following a prior coup attempt and his alleged use of crises to suppress opposition.
Regional Leaders Question Coup's Authenticity
Jonathan, who led an election observer mission for the West African Elders Forum, dismissed the event as a "ceremonial coup," citing Embaló's unusual self-announcement of his ouster to France 24. "I have been deposed," Embaló told the outlet-a departure from typical coup dynamics, per Jonathan. Sonko, addressing Senegalese lawmakers, labeled the incident a "sham."
"This doesn't help anyone because it puts the country into chaos."
Mohamed Sylla, Bissau resident, in an interview with the BBC
Mixed Reactions in Guinea-Bissau
Residents expressed divided opinions. One mother of three described fleeing gunfire, while another, Suncar Gassama, told the BBC she supported military rule if it improved living conditions. Voter turnout had exceeded 65%, heightening frustration over the interrupted process.
International Condemnation and Transitional Moves
The African Union and West African bloc ECOWAS suspended Guinea-Bissau's membership, demanding the military's return to barracks. On Friday, transitional leader Gen. Horta N'Tam appointed former Finance Minister Ilidio Vieira Té as prime minister. The country, plagued by chronic instability and drug trafficking, remains without a functioning parliament since Embaló's 2023 dissolution.
Embaló's Silence on Allegations
Embaló has not addressed the claims of staging the coup. His office did not respond to requests for comment as of Friday. The military's assertion of thwarting a destabilization plot lacks independent verification.
