Guinea-Bissau: Military Seizes Power Amid Election Chaos

Guinea-Bissau finds itself in another political storm. This time, the military has taken control, halting the vote count from a recent presidential election. The opposition is outraged, demanding the results be released and accusing the military of undermining democracy.

Military Takes Over

The military, calling itself "The High Military Command for the Restoration of Order," claims to have removed President Umaro Sissoco Embalo. This is not unprecedented for Guinea-Bissau, which has a history of military coups. Since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, the country has experienced at least nine coups or attempted coups.

Election Dispute

The election was between Embalo and Fernando Dias, a political newcomer. The opposition, backing Dias, insists the election results must be released and that the military should not interfere with democracy.

Capital on Edge

The capital, Bissau, was eerily quiet on Thursday. Soldiers patrolled the streets, businesses and banks remained closed, and many residents stayed indoors. The election commission reported that soldiers shut down their offices, preventing any results from being announced.

Gunfire and Disappearances

Before the military's announcement, gunfire was heard near the election headquarters and the presidential palace. Embalo contacted French media, claiming he had been removed. His whereabouts on Thursday remained unknown, and the military did not confirm whether they had him.

Accusations and Detentions

Dias accused Embalo of staging a coup to halt the election, suggesting the president feared losing. The opposition also demands the release of Domingos Simoes Pereira, a former prime minister detained on Wednesday.

Drug Trade and International Concern

Guinea-Bissau is notorious for drug trafficking, serving as a key transit point for cocaine heading to Europe. Under Embalo, the drug trade reportedly flourished, with reports suggesting it may be more profitable than ever.

Election observers from the African Union and ECOWAS have expressed alarm, stating that election officials were arrested and calling for their release. Goodluck Jonathan, a former Nigerian president observing the vote, was unreachable on Thursday. Edwin Snowe, a Liberian senator, left the country on Tuesday and has been unable to contact other observers since Wednesday.

Uncertain Future

The military's actions raise critical questions: Will they allow democracy to prevail, or will they maintain control? The world watches Guinea-Bissau closely as the situation unfolds.