Soldiers in Guinea-Bissau have declared they are taking “total control” of the West African nation, three days after a contested presidential election in which both leading candidates claim victory.
Military officials announced the suspension of the country’s electoral process and the closure of all borders in a statement read at the army headquarters in the capital, Bissau, and broadcast on state television. They also said they had established “the high military command for the restoration of order,” which will govern the country until further notice.
Earlier on Wednesday, gunfire was reported near the election commission headquarters, the presidential palace, and the interior ministry, though it remains unclear who was responsible.
The takeover continues Guinea-Bissau’s history of political instability, including multiple coups since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. The country, with a population of 2.2 million, had an average yearly income of just $963 (£728) in 2024, according to the World Bank.
Guinea-Bissau has long faced challenges with organized crime. The United Nations labelled it a “narco state” in 2008, citing its role as a transit hub for cocaine from South America. Its river deltas and the 88 islands of the Bijagós archipelago have reportedly been used by Colombian drug cartels as discreet drop-off points.
Incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló sought to become the first president in three decades to secure a second term. Both he and his main rival, Fernando Dias, claimed victory in the first round of voting held on Sunday.
Tensions escalated when a spokesperson for Embaló accused gunmen loyal to Dias of firing shots near government buildings, while Dias’ allies countered that Embaló staged the incidents to justify declaring a state of emergency and remaining in power. No evidence has been presented to support either claim.
The country’s election commission was scheduled to announce provisional results for the presidential and parliamentary elections on Thursday.
Guinea-Bissau has experienced at least nine coups since independence, with Embaló himself surviving three attempts during his first term, the latest in October 2024, according to Reuters.