Army Seizes Guinea-Bissau Palace Area After Gunfire

Heavy gunfire rang out in Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday, leading to soldiers from the presidential guard and gendarmerie taking control of the main road near the presidential palace.

While calm was restored shortly after, the incident heightened political tensions as the West African nation awaits the official results of its recent presidential election.

The whereabouts of the incumbent president, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, are currently unknown.

Both he and his opposition rival, Fernando Dias, have prematurely claimed victory in the vote, whose official provisional results are expected on Thursday.

Guinea-Bissau (News Central TV) — The army seizes Guinea-Bissau’s palace area after gunfire. Credit: BBC

Guinea-Bissau has a turbulent history, having experienced four successful coups and numerous attempted coups since gaining independence.

The recent election was contentious, with the main opposition party (PAIGC) excluded by a Supreme Court decision, which the opposition alleges was an act of manipulation by Embalo, whose term they claim expired in February.

The country’s chronic political instability is also linked to its role as a key transit hub for drug trafficking between Latin America and Europe.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.