Guinea-Bissau Military Coup 2025: Soldiers Announce Power Seizure on State TV After Tense Elections

Updated coverage of the latest Guinea-Bissau military takeover, including soldier statements, election backdrop, and regional instability factors.

Introduction

In a dramatic development on November 26, 2025, soldiers in Guinea-Bissau appeared on state television to declare they had seized power in the West African nation. This Guinea-Bissau military coup followed reports of gunfire near the presidential palace just three days after nationwide presidential and legislative elections. The announcement, made by military spokesperson Dinis N’Tchama, cited an alleged plot to manipulate election results as the justification for deposing President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and suspending all republican institutions.

This event underscores Guinea-Bissau’s long history of political instability, marked by multiple coups and its role as a drug trafficking hub. For those tracking West Africa coups or Guinea-Bissau elections 2025, understanding this military power seizure provides critical insights into regional security dynamics.

Analysis

The Guinea-Bissau military coup unfolded amid heightened tensions post-elections held on Sunday, November 23, 2025. Both incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition leader Fernando Dias da Costa claimed victory on Tuesday, with official results pending until Thursday.

Timeline of Key Events

• Sunday, November 23: Presidential and legislative elections occur amid disputes over President Embaló’s term legitimacy.
• Tuesday, November 25: Rival victory claims emerge.
• Wednesday, November 26 (midday): Gunfire reported near the presidential palace and National Electoral Commission.
• Immediate Aftermath: Soldiers appear on state TV, announce coup, suspend elections, media activities, and close borders.

Military Justification and Allegations

Dinis N’Tchama, spokesperson for the High Military Command, stated the takeover aimed to “reestablish national and public order.” He accused “national politicians,” a “well-known drug lord,” and “domestic and foreign nationals” of orchestrating a scheme to destabilize the country by manipulating electoral results. This narrative ties into Guinea-Bissau’s documented challenges as a transit point for cocaine from Latin America to Europe, exacerbating governance issues.

Associated Press journalists observed roads to the palace blocked by checkpoints manned by heavily armed, masked soldiers. Palace officials reported an armed group attempting to storm the building, leading to exchanges of fire. Similar incidents occurred near the Interior Ministry and Electoral Commission.

President Embaló’s Response

President Embaló, who assumed power in February 2020, claimed he was arrested in a coup led by the army chief of staff, as quoted by Jeune Afrique. He reported no violence but confirmed being held by the military. This aligns with an international election observer’s account that the Electoral Commission head was arrested and its offices sealed by troops.

Summary

The Guinea-Bissau military coup of 2025 saw soldiers depose President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, suspend democratic institutions, and halt the electoral process following post-election violence. Rooted in allegations of fraud involving drug traffickers and politicians, this event closed borders and silenced media, echoing the nation’s coup-prone history with four successful takeovers since independence in 1974 and numerous attempts, including one reported last month.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For travelers, journalists, and businesses monitoring Guinea-Bissau political crisis, prioritize safety amid this military takeover.

Travel and Relocation Tips

• Monitor Alerts: Check U.S. State Department, UK FCDO, or EU travel advisories for Guinea-Bissau, which often elevate to “Do Not Travel” during coups.
• Evacuation Plans: Register with embassy services like STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) and identify exit routes via Senegal or Guinea.
• Communication: Use VPNs for media access, as outlets are suspended; rely on international sources like BBC, Reuters, or AP.

For Regional Businesses and NGOs

Pause operations involving borders, now closed. Diversify supply chains away from Bissau, Guinea-Bissau’s capital, and prepare for currency fluctuations or asset freezes common in West African coups.

Points of Caution

The Guinea-Bissau military coup heightens risks in a nation already fragile due to poverty, corruption, and narcotics trade.

Security and Health Risks

• Violence Potential: Checkpoints and armed patrols increase robbery or detention risks for foreigners.
• Drug Ties: Avoid associations that could be misconstrued amid allegations of trafficker involvement.
• Health Infrastructure: Limited medical facilities may strain further during unrest; stock essentials.
• Economic Fallout: Expect aid disruptions and inflation spikes.

Exercise caution with unverified social media claims of soldiers seizing power in Guinea-Bissau, verifying via reputable outlets.

Comparison

Guinea-Bissau’s 2025 military coup mirrors its turbulent post-independence history.

Historical Coups Overview

Unlike 2022’s political maneuvering, the 2025 event involves direct institutional suspension and drug plot claims, heightening international scrutiny compared to prior internal army actions.

Legal Implications

The military’s actions raise clear constitutional and international law concerns, applicable given Guinea-Bissau’s ECOWAS membership.

Domestic Constitution Violations

Guinea-Bissau’s constitution mandates five-year presidential terms with no provision for military deposition. Suspending institutions breaches Article 1 on democratic sovereignty. Embaló’s term, extended by Supreme Court to September 4, 2025, with elections delayed to November, was legally contested but not unilaterally voidable by the army.

International Ramifications

• ECOWAS Protocol: Bans unconstitutional changes; past interventions (e.g., Mali 2020) suggest sanctions or force.
• AU Charter: Condemns coups; suspends membership likely.
• UN and ICC: If violence escalates, potential crimes against humanity probes, given drug-state links.

No amnesty exists for such takeovers under regional pacts.

Conclusion

The Guinea-Bissau military coup of 2025, with soldiers seizing power on state TV amid election chaos, perpetuates a cycle of instability fueled by electoral disputes, drug trafficking, and weak institutions. As borders close and President Embaló faces detention, regional bodies like ECOWAS will likely respond decisively. Stakeholders must prioritize verified information to navigate this Guinea-Bissau power seizure, hoping for a swift restoration of order without further bloodshed. Long-term, addressing root causes like narcotics transit and governance reforms remains essential for stability.

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