Guinea-Bissau: President Embalo labels recent unrest as “failed coup”
In a shocking turn of events, Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo declared a recent bout of violence involving members of the National Guard as an “attempted coup,” following clashes with the special forces of the presidential guard.
The turmoil, which unfolded on Thursday night in the capital city of Bissau, resulted in at least two casualties.
President Embalo, who was attending the COP28 climate conference in Dubai, returned on Saturday, expressing stern warnings of “serious consequences” for the perpetrators.
He revealed that the coup attempt had been planned ahead of the November 16 celebrations commemorating the armed forces’ anniversary.
Guinea-Bissau, a small West African nation, has a tumultuous history of coups and coup attempts since gaining independence in 1974. Embalo himself survived a failed overthrow in February 2022.
Amidst the recent unrest, a military official disclosed that six soldiers were injured and evacuated to neighboring Senegal.
By noon on Friday, calm had been restored following the capture of Colonel Victor Tchongo, the National Guard commander. However, the security presence remained around key buildings, including the presidential palace and judiciary police headquarters.
The army issued a statement on Saturday, urging National Guard officers and soldiers who fled to the country’s interior to return to their designated posts. Meanwhile, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) strongly condemned the violence, calling for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible and expressing full solidarity with Guinea-Bissau’s constitutional authorities.
The unrest stemmed from an incident where National Guard members stormed a police station to extract Finance Minister Souleiman Seidi and Treasury Secretary Antonio Monteiro, who were under investigation for the withdrawal of $10 million from state accounts.
President Embalo stated that Colonel Tchongo was sent to remove Seidi from detention, announcing the formation of an investigatory commission on Monday.
Despite the chaos, government spokesman Francisco Muniro Conte emphasized a commitment to the rule of law, stating, “A president who is elected must complete his term of office.”
The situation remains tense, with the international community closely monitoring developments in Guinea-Bissau.
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