(DDM) – Guinea-Bissau has been thrown into renewed political turmoil after President Umaro Sissoco Embaló fled to neighbouring Senegal following a sudden military coup that disrupted the nation’s already tense post-election climate.
DDM gathered that the president’s escape occurred shortly after armed factions loyal to rival political blocs seized key government installations and attempted to take control of the presidential palace.
Reports indicate that the coup was triggered by escalating disputes over the recently announced election results, which opposition groups claimed were manipulated to favour the incumbent.
Soldiers were said to have mobilised across the capital, Bissau, leading to several hours of gunfire, roadblocks, and forceful takeovers of strategic locations.
Eyewitnesses reported that some government ministers escaped through back routes as the military advanced toward the executive compound.
The political instability highlights long-standing tensions within Guinea-Bissau’s fragile democratic system, which has endured repeated coups and attempted coups since independence in 1974.
President Embaló, who came to power in 2020 after a heavily contested election, has faced persistent resistance from political rivals and sections of the armed forces.
Analysts note that the country’s political scene is deeply polarised due to entrenched corruption allegations, factionalism, and struggles for influence among military elites.
Regional diplomats told reporters that the president sought immediate asylum in Senegal to avoid potential arrest or harm as the coup unfolded.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is said to be monitoring the situation closely amid fears of another destabilising conflict within the sub-region.
Background records reveal that Guinea-Bissau has experienced no fewer than nine coups or coup attempts in the last three decades, making it one of West Africa’s most unstable nations.
Its military has historically played an oversized role in politics, often intervening whenever tensions erupt between the government and opposition groups.
International observers have repeatedly urged reforms to reduce military interference, strengthen democratic institutions, and stabilise governance structures.
The latest crisis risks isolating the country further and disrupting planned reforms targeting economic recovery, anti-corruption measures, and security cooperation with international partners.
Sources confirm that embattled President Embaló is currently under heavy security protection in Dakar pending negotiations with regional leaders.
ECOWAS leaders are expected to hold emergency talks in the coming days to determine whether to impose sanctions, deploy a monitoring force, or initiate diplomatic intervention.
Human rights groups warn of the possibility of civilian casualties if tensions escalate or if the military fractures into competing factions.
Local residents told journalists that fear has gripped the capital, with many staying indoors as soldiers patrol streets and enforce control over public space.
Analysts caution that the coup, if successful, may reverse years of progress in democratic governance and plunge Guinea-Bissau into prolonged instability.
Regional security experts also worry that the unrest may embolden insurgent movements and criminal networks that exploit political vacuums across West Africa.
As of the time of reporting, communication networks remain unstable, and international agencies are still trying to verify the full scope of the military takeover.