Johnson Progress

Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo was deposed in a military coup on Wednesday, just days after disputed presidential and legislative elections.

Embalo confirmed his ousting in an exclusive phone call with France 24, stating, “I have been deposed,” before ending the call, citing concerns his phone would be confiscated.

According to reports, men in uniform stormed the Presidential palace while Embalo was in his office, leading to his arrest.

The military announced it had taken “total control” of the country, suspending the electoral process and closing borders.

“The High Military Command for the Restoration of Order” has been established, with General Denis N’Canha, head of the military household at the presidential palace, reading a statement declaring the takeover.

The military cited a plot by unnamed politicians, allegedly supported by a “well-known drug baron,” to destabilize the country by manipulating election results.

Embalo had claimed victory in Sunday’s election, as did opposition candidate Fernando Dias.

The official results were expected on Thursday, but the military’s move has thrown the country’s future into uncertainty.

The international community has expressed concern, with the African Union and ECOWAS urging the military to release detained officials and restore constitutional order.

Portugal, Guinea-Bissau’s former colonizer, has called for an end to violence and a return to democratic processes.

Guinea-Bissau has a history of coups, with nine attempted or successful coups since independence in 1974.

The country’s economy relies heavily on cashew exports, and it’s also a hub for cocaine trafficking between Latin America and Europe.