The Coup in Guinea-Bissau: A Power Grab or a Staged Event?
Guinea-Bissau, a small West African nation, has been plunged into political turmoil following a military coup that occurred on November 26. The events have raised serious questions about the legitimacy of the current government and the role of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló in orchestrating the situation.
The Military Coup and Its Implications
According to opposition parties and members of the dissolved parliament, the military coup was not aimed at the outgoing president, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, but rather orchestrated by him to prevent the return to constitutional order. While Embaló claims to have been arrested by the coup leaders, he managed to flee the country the following day, traveling to neighboring Senegal. In contrast, his opponents remain in military custody.
The coup took place just a day before the announcement of the final election results, which were expected to confirm the victory of Domingos Simões Pereira, the main opponent of Embaló. The elections, delayed for months, saw widespread international and domestic observers agreeing that Embaló had lost the vote.
The Role of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC)
The PAIGC, one of the most significant political parties in Guinea-Bissau, played a crucial role in the events. Led by Amilcar Cabral, the party was instrumental in the country’s liberation from Portuguese colonialism. However, its presidential candidate, Domingos Simões Pereira, was barred from contesting the election by the Supreme Court, whose legitimate president had been replaced in 2023 by militias under Embaló’s command.
This move sparked outrage among opposition groups. Imani Umoja, a Central Committee member of the PAIGC, questioned the logic of staging a coup against a losing candidate, stating:
“Why would anyone do a coup against a losing candidate?”
Umoja explained that the PAIGC had three options: boycotting the election, which would have handed power to Embaló without a fight; taking to the streets in protest, which could have led to violence; or supporting another candidate who could challenge Embaló’s rule.
The Election and the Staged Coup
Domingos Simões Pereira, the PAIGC’s candidate, was not allowed to run, leading the party to support Dias, the head of the Party for Social Renewal (PRS). Although the PRS identified itself as “social-democratic” while the PAIGC is “socialist,” both parties share a common ideological foundation rooted in the teachings of Amilcar Cabral.
Umoja explained that the agreement between the two parties was based on tactical differences rather than ideological ones. The pact was that if Dias won the presidency, he would reverse all of Embaló’s unconstitutional decrees.
However, the coup came a day before the National Electoral Council was set to announce the final results. Gunfire erupted near the presidential palace, but there was no actual fighting. Soldiers were seen shooting in the air, and Embaló claimed to have been removed from power in a coup led by soldiers.
The Aftermath and Protests
Following the coup, several key figures, including Pereira and his representative, Octávio Lopes, were arrested. Dias managed to escape through a back door and later released a video message. The junta, calling itself the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order,” announced the closure of borders and the suspension of the electoral process.
Protests erupted across the country, with the Amílcar Cabral African Youth (JAAC) organizing marches around the Ministry of Interior. The diaspora also joined the protests, with activists in Senegal and Portugal demonstrating against the presence of Embaló in their countries.
The International Response
The West Africa People’s Organization condemned the coup as a self-coup orchestrated by Embaló, who was “overwhelmingly defeated at the polls.” They accused the regime of attempting to derail the electoral process, which had already been rigged in favor of Embaló.
The PAIGC has called on the international community to closely monitor the situation and support efforts to preserve democratic legality. They have also demanded the release of Pereira and other detainees.
Conclusion
The events in Guinea-Bissau highlight the deepening crisis of governance and democracy in the country. With the military junta in control and the opposition in custody, the future of the nation remains uncertain. As the international community watches closely, the people of Guinea-Bissau continue to demand justice and the restoration of constitutional order.
