On November 26, 2023, the military in Guinea-Bissau seized control of the government just days after national elections, prompting a strong condemnation from the United Nations. Secretary-General António Guterres described the coup as a serious violation of constitutional order and democratic principles. He called for all parties involved to respect the election process by restoring constitutional order and releasing detained officials, including political leaders and opposition figures.
Guterres emphasized the necessity of resolving disputes through “peaceful and inclusive dialogue and legal avenues.” His remarks were echoed by Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, who expressed grave concerns over human rights violations. Reports indicated that independent radio stations faced restrictions, internet access was limited, and peaceful protesters experienced violence. Türk highlighted that at least 18 individuals had been arbitrarily detained, many reportedly held incommunicado.
The military coup has drawn criticism from various regional organizations as well. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, reiterated the AU’s policy of “zero tolerance” for unconstitutional government changes. He stressed that the National Electoral Commission holds the exclusive legal authority to announce election results. Similarly, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the coup and suspended Guinea-Bissau from its decision-making bodies until constitutional order is fully restored.
The recent presidential election on November 23 saw the incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló face off against his main rival, Fernando Dias. Both candidates prematurely declared victory before official results were released. The military intervened on November 26, claiming they took control to prevent electoral manipulation, although they did not provide evidence for such allegations. Reports indicate that President Embaló was arrested at his office shortly before the military’s announcement of the coup.
On November 27, Major-General Horta Nta Na Man was sworn in as transitional president for a one-year term following the military’s removal of Embaló. The ousted president subsequently fled to Senegal, where the Prime Minister labeled the coup a “sham.” This latest military takeover reflects a troubling trend of instability in Guinea-Bissau, which has experienced several coups since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974.
Guinea-Bissau has a history of political turmoil, with coups or attempted coups recorded in 2012, 2022, and again in 2023. The country also ranks first among African nations in drug trafficking, a factor experts believe has significantly contributed to its repeated cycles of instability. In his initial speech as transitional president, Horta justified the military’s actions as necessary to protect Guinean democracy from “narcotraffickers.”
The situation in Guinea-Bissau raises critical questions about governance and the rule of law in the region, as international organizations call for adherence to democratic norms and respect for human rights.
