MILITARY officers in Guinea-Bissau have seized control of the country and detained President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, suspending the electoral process after a day of gunfire in the capital, Bissau.
This comes at a time when there is a growing number of countries experiencing military takeovers in the West African region.
According to media reports, gunfire was heard in Bissau before government sources said that Embaló had been held.
Officers later appeared on state television and announced the suspension of the electoral process as the country awaited results from Sunday’s presidential vote.
The officers said they acted to stop a plot by unnamed politicians with the backing of a drug baron, announcing border closures and a night curfew.
This comes as general election results had been expected on 27 November, with both Embaló and his rival, Fernando Dias, claiming victory.
Dias had received support from former Prime Minister Domingos Pereira, who had been barred from the contest.
Government sources said Dias, Pereira, and Interior Minister Botché Candé had also been detained.
Army chief Gen Biague Na Ntan and his deputy, Gen Mamadou Touré, were reportedly held. Witnesses reported gunfire near the presidential palace around 13:00 GMT, prompting people to flee.
General Denis N’Canha later issued a statement announcing a takeover and urged the public to remain calm.
Countries that have experienced coups
While this has been the latest coup in Africa, following the recent one in Madagascar, several other countries on the continent have gone through the same over the past decades.
Madagascar
Earlier this month, the military in Madagascar ousted the government of Andry Rajoelina following widespread youth-led protests over chronic shortages of water and power.
The coup was led by Michael Randrianirina, a colonel from an elite unit, who was sworn in as interim president on 17 October 2025 after a top court ratified the takeover.
The takeover followed impeachment proceedings against Rajoelina and came amid large-scale demonstrations, after which the AU moved to suspend Madagascar.
Mali
Mali had military takeovers in 2012, 2020 and 2021.
The 2020 putsch removed President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, followed by a second takeover in 2021 when transitional leaders were detained by military officers.
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso recorded coups in 2014, 2022 and 2022 again in a second takeover within the same year.
Military officers removed President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré in January 2022.
Another faction – now led by Captain Ibrahim Traore – replaced the junta in September 2022.
Zimbabwe
In November 2017, Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe was removed as president and party leader of ZANU–PF and was replaced by Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The Zimbabwe government has, however, denied the coup, calling it a military-assisted transition.
Niger
Niger’s military ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.
The coup ended civilian rule and placed power under a military council that suspended the constitution.
Guinea
Guinea recorded a coup in September 2021 when soldiers removed President Alpha Condé.
The military, led by Mamady Doumbouya dissolved institutions and announced a transition process.
Chad
Chad transitioned to military rule in 2021 after the death of President Idriss Déby.
The army dissolved government structures and announced a military council led by Mahamat Idriss Déby, a move widely recorded as a takeover.
Sudan
In October 2021, the Hamdok government was overthrown in the 2021 Sudanese coup d’état.
The Hamdok government was reinstated on 21 November 2021 and dissolved on 2 January 2022 when Abdalla Hamdok resigned as prime minister of Sudan.
A civil war broke out in Sudan in April 2023.
Gabon
Soldiers in Gabon removed President Ali Bongo Ondimba in August 2023.
The military ended the electoral process and announced a committee to manage state affairs. – IOW Data.
