A group of military officers in Guinea-Bissau has reportedly taken control of the country, with unconfirmed reports that President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has been detained.
The events unfolded on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, in the capital city of Bissau, shortly after gunfire was heard around 13:00 GMT. Witnesses reported that hundreds of people fled on foot and in vehicles, seeking safety amid the chaos. It remains unclear who was involved in the gunfire or if there were any casualties.
Government sources informed the BBC that President Embaló had been arrested. The development comes three days after the presidential election, which saw the disqualification of the main opposition candidate. Both Embaló and his closest rival, Fernando Dias, have claimed victory ahead of the official results expected on Thursday, November 27, 2025.
Later in the day, army officers addressed the nation on state television, announcing the formation of the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order.” They declared that the military would govern Guinea-Bissau until further notice and urged the public to remain calm.
Guinea-Bissau, a nation of just under two million people, is one of the world’s poorest countries and has a history of political instability, with nine coups or attempted coups since gaining independence from Portugal in 1980. President Embaló has survived two previous attempts to overthrow his government, the most recent occurring in December 2023.
The situation remains fluid as the nation braces for potential political and civil unrest in the wake of the military takeover.
