Bissau, Guinea-Bissau: Senior West African political figures have questioned the legitimacy of the recent military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, calling it a “sham” rather than a genuine coup.
Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and Nigeria’s former president Goodluck Jonathan expressed skepticism over the military’s ousting of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, which occurred just a day before the country was set to announce election results.
The military has since suspended the electoral process and blocked the release of results, claiming they acted to thwart a plot to destabilize the nation. Embaló, who was briefly detained, flew to Senegal on a chartered military flight following his release.
Claims of a Staged Coup
Jonathan, leading a team from the West African Elders Forum, called the takeover a “ceremonial coup” and questioned why President Embaló himself announced his removal, contrasting it with other recent regional coups. Sonko also described the event as a “sham” during remarks to Senegalese lawmakers.
Opposition voices in Guinea-Bissau echoed these claims, though no evidence has yet been presented to substantiate that the coup was staged. Embaló has not commented on the allegations.
Transition and Regional Response
On Friday, Gen Horta N’Tam, the transitional leader appointed Ilidio Vieira Té, formerly finance minister, as the new prime minister.
The African Union and ECOWAS both suspended Guinea-Bissau following the military takeover, urging the army to return to the barracks and restore constitutional order.
Guinea-Bissau, a coup-prone West African nation, also faces challenges from drug trafficking. The military claimed its takeover was necessary to prevent politicians linked to a “well-known drug baron” from destabilizing the country.
Local Reactions
Reactions among residents of Bissau have been mixed. Some expressed concern over the disruption of the electoral process:
- A mother of three described fleeing after hearing gunfire and packing her bags amid uncertainty.
- Mohamed Sylla, a local resident, said: “This doesn’t help anyone. Because it puts the country into chaos.”
Others, however, voiced cautious support for the army, hoping for improved governance:
- Suncar Gassama said: “I am not against the military regime as long as they improve the living conditions in the country.”
The situation remains fluid as Guinea-Bissau navigates political uncertainty in the wake of the suspended election.
