Guinea-Bissau’s military has thwarted a coup attempt by senior officers, arresting several high-ranking officials, including Brigadier General Daba Nawalna, director of a military training center, and Generals Dahaba Na Walna, Domingos Nhanke, and Mario Midana.
The alleged plot aimed to disrupt the country’s legislative and presidential elections scheduled for November 23.
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who has been at odds with the opposition over the duration of his term, has vowed to ensure the safety of all candidates during the campaign period.
This is not the first time Embalo has faced a coup attempt, having survived one in December 2023.
The country has a history of military interventions, with multiple coups since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974.
The military’s swift action has prevented potential unrest, but the situation remains tense as Guinea-Bissau prepares for its pivotal elections.
The opposition has raised concerns over the legitimacy of Embalo’s term, which the Supreme Court has ruled will end on September 4, while Embalo claims it will conclude in November. With Embalo seeking re-election, the country’s fragile democratic institutions are under scrutiny.
