Guinea-Bissau slipped into yet another political crisis on Wednesday after military officers declared they had taken “total control” of the country, detaining the president and suspending all electoral activities just three days after the nation held legislative and presidential elections.
Tension exploded in the capital, Bissau, earlier in the day when heavy gunfire erupted near the presidential palace. Witnesses reported soldiers in full combat gear taking control of the main access road leading to the building, heightening fears in a country long familiar with coups and attempted uprisings.
READ ALSO: Alleged Coup Plot: Names, Profiles of Detained 16 Military Officers
In a statement read at army headquarters and broadcast by AFP, the military announced the closure of all land and air borders, the suspension of the ongoing electoral process, and the assumption of full authority over state institutions. The officers did not give details on the condition or location of the president, whose detention marks a dramatic escalation in the country’s instability.
READ ALSO: Rigging is the Worst Coup, Dickson, Amaechi Warn Ahead of 2027 Elections
Guinea-Bissau, one of West Africa’s most coup-prone nations, now faces a deepening uncertainty as regional and international actors monitor the situation closely.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
