Guinea-Bissau’s ousted president arrives in Senegal after military coup

Guinea-Bissau's ousted president arrives in Senegal after military coup

Guinea-Bissau's deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embaló landed in neighboring Senegal late Thursday, following negotiations by West African leaders to secure his safe transfer after this week's military coup, Senegalese authorities confirmed.

Senegal's foreign ministry stated Embaló arrived "safe and sound" aboard a chartered military flight, marking his first appearance since the junta seized power on Wednesday-just hours before provisional election results were due to be announced.

Military installs transitional leader amid election fallout

The Guinea-Bissau armed forces swiftly installed Gen. Horta N'Tam, the army's chief of staff, as transitional leader for a one-year term. The junta justified its intervention by claiming to thwart an alleged plot involving "unnamed politicians" and a "well-known drug baron" seeking to destabilize the country.

All borders-land, air, and sea-closed during the coup were reopened shortly after N'Tam's swearing-in. The military also suspended the electoral process, blocked result releases, and imposed a nighttime curfew, citing threats to national stability.

Election disputes and detention of rivals

Sunday's presidential vote had left the nation divided, with both Embaló and his chief rival, Fernando Dias, declaring victory. Dias, backed by disqualified former Prime Minister Domingos Pereira, claimed roughly 52% of the vote in statements to AFP. Government sources told the BBC that Dias, Pereira, and Interior Minister Botché Candé were detained by the junta.

Dias accused Embaló of orchestrating a "simulated coup" to suppress unfavorable election results, calling the takeover "organized." Civil society groups echoed the claim, alleging collusion between Embaló and the military. Embaló, who has survived multiple past coup attempts, has not publicly responded to the accusations.

Regional and international condemnation

The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) suspended Guinea-Bissau from its decision-making bodies, demanding the military return to barracks and condemning the coup as a "grave violation" of constitutional order. Current Ecowas chair and Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio secured assurances for Embaló's protection during negotiations, according to Sierra Leone's Foreign Minister Timothy Musa Kabba.

The African Union (AU) and UN Secretary-General António Guterres also denounced the coup, with Guterres expressing "deep concern" and urging an "immediate and unconditional" restoration of democracy. Guinea-Bissau, a nation of 2 million, has endured at least nine coups or attempts since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974.

Capital under lockdown as junta consolidates control

Tensions gripped the capital, Bissau, on Thursday, with most shops and markets shuttered as soldiers patrolled streets, AFP reported. The junta banned public protests and "any actions disturbing peace," while Embaló's whereabouts remained unclear until his arrival in Senegal.

Analysts note Guinea-Bissau's history as a drug-trafficking hub and the military's outsized influence since independence. The coup marks the latest in a cycle of political instability, with Embaló's critics previously accusing him of manufacturing crises to suppress opposition.