Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and ex-Mozambican President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi are stranded in Guinea-Bissau after the military seized power on Wednesday.
All flights in and out of the country have been suspended, leaving election observers and foreign officials unable to leave. The leaders were in Guinea-Bissau to monitor the recent presidential election.
Military spokesperson Diniz N’Tchama announced on state television that the army had removed President Umaro Sissoco Embalo from office. They also suspended the election process, closed the borders, and imposed a curfew.
Shortly after the announcement, Embalo told France 24 TV: “I have been deposed.”
The military said it had formed “The High Military Command for the Restoration of Order” to govern until further notice. They did not say if Embalo was in custody, and his location is unknown.
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Gunfire was reported near major government buildings, including the electoral commission and presidential palace. “People are running everywhere,” said a driver in Bissau who asked not to be named. There were no reports of injuries.
The electoral commission had been expected to announce results from Sunday’s vote, where Embalo faced challenger Fernando Dias. Both sides claimed victory in the first round. Embalo was aiming for a second consecutive term.
Embalo’s spokesperson, Antonio Yaya Seidy, said unknown gunmen attacked the electoral commission to stop the results. He claimed they were “affiliated with Dias,” though no proof was given. Dias’ team denied involvement, and former Prime Minister Domingos Simoes Pereira said Dias was safe.
A joint statement by the African Union, ECOWAS, and West African Elders Forum, signed by Jonathan, Nyusi, and ECOWAS official Issifu Kamara, urged calm:
“We deplore this blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process. We urge the armed forces to immediately release detained officials and let the election process continue.”
Guinea-Bissau has a history of political instability and has experienced several coups since independence in 1974. The situation remains tense.