Guinea-Bissau’s military takes control, disrupting election process
In a dramatic turn of events, a group of military officers in Guinea-Bissau has seized control of the country, just one day after the highly contested presidential election. The officers’ statement, issued on Wednesday, declared their intention to suspend the electoral process, close all borders, and impose a curfew, leaving the nation in a state of uncertainty.
The announcement came amidst reports of gunfire near key government buildings, including the election commission headquarters, the presidential palace, and the interior ministry. This development raises concerns about the stability of the West African nation, which has a history of political turmoil and coups.
The election, which was expected to be announced on Thursday, featured incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo facing his main challenger, Fernando Dias. However, the military’s intervention has cast doubt on the legitimacy of the election, as civil society groups and observers had already questioned the fairness of the process due to the exclusion of the main opposition party, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), from running a presidential candidate.
As the situation unfolds, the whereabouts of President Embalo remain unknown, and the future of Guinea-Bissau’s democratic process hangs in the balance. The world watches with bated breath, awaiting further developments in this tumultuous African nation.