The army in Guinea-Bissau has seized power, announcing the removal of the president and the suspension of government institutions in a dramatic turn of events that has plunged the West African nation into uncertainty.
In a televised broadcast, senior generals declared the formation of the “Supreme Military Command for the Restoration of Order,” which will govern the country until further notice. The announcement effectively dissolves the authority of the president, parliament, and electoral bodies.
The military further announced the closure of national borders and airspace, alongside the imposition of a nationwide curfew. Officials stated that these measures will remain in place until “the situation becomes clear and constitutional order is restored.”
Guinea-Bissau, a nation of about two million people, has faced recurring political instability and military interventions since gaining independence in 1974. The latest development adds to a history of coups and contested governance that have hindered democratic consolidation.
The sudden takeover is expected to draw strong reactions from regional bodies such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, both of which have consistently opposed unconstitutional changes of government in the region.
With institutions suspended and the military in control, Guinea-Bissau faces an uncertain future. The generals have pledged to restore order, but the timeline for a return to civilian rule remains unclear.