2025 Guinea-Bissau coup d'état facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 2025 Guinea-Bissau coup d'état |
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| Part of the Coup Belt | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
 Umaro Sissoco Embaló (POW) Botche Candé (POW) Biague Na Ntan (POW) Mamadou Touré (POW) Domingos Pereira (POW) |
Dinis Incanha Horta Inta-A Na Man |
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| Strength | |||||||
| Unknown | Unknown | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| Unknown | Unknown | ||||||
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On November 26, 2025, the president of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, was arrested. This happened during a coup d'état, which is when a group, usually the military, suddenly takes control of a government. Brigadier General Dinis Incanha, who was the Head of the Military Office of the Presidency, led this action.
Military officers announced they had "total control" over the country. They created a new group called the High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order. This event took place just one day before the official results of the 2025 Guinea-Bissau general election were expected. President Embaló had been running for reelection in that election. On November 27, General Horta Inta-A Na Man was named the interim president by the new military command.
Contents
Understanding the Coup in Guinea-Bissau
What is a Coup d'État?
A coup d'état is a sudden and often forceful takeover of a government. It is usually carried out by a small group, often from the military. They aim to replace the current leaders with their own. This is different from a revolution, which involves a large number of people.
Why Did This Happen? A Look at the Background
General elections were held in Guinea-Bissau on November 23, 2025. People voted for a new president and members of the National People's Assembly. However, some groups and observers questioned if the election was fair. The main opposition party, the PAIGC, was not allowed to participate in the presidential election.
This event is the ninth time Guinea-Bissau has experienced a coup or an attempted coup. The country gained independence from Portugal in 1974. The last successful coup happened in 2012. There were also attempts to remove President Embaló in 2022 and 2023. In 2023, President Embaló dissolved the Assembly and ruled by special orders. Critics had concerns about his actions and intentions during these times.
The Day of the Coup: November 26, 2025
Events Unfold in Bissau
On November 26, 2025, sounds of gunfire were heard in the capital city of Bissau. The shooting was near the presidential palace. Military personnel in uniform were seen taking control of the main road. Gunfire was also reported at the interior ministry and the National Electoral Commission. Hundreds of people had to flee these areas for safety.
A spokesperson for President Embaló claimed that gunmen linked to opposition candidate Fernando Dias attacked the electoral commission. They said this was to stop the election results from being released. However, former prime minister Domingos Simões Pereira, who supported Dias, had a different view. He suggested that President Embaló might have been trying to create a fake coup. This would allow him to declare an emergency if he thought he had lost the election.
President Embaló's Arrest and Other Detainees
Later that day, President Embaló confirmed his arrest to a news outlet. He stated he was arrested without force at his office around 1:00 PM GMT. He described it as a "coup d'état" led by the army chief of staff. Reports indicated that Embaló was held at the general-staff headquarters and was being treated well.
Several other important officials were also arrested. These included General Biague Na Ntan, the chief of staff of the armed forces, and his deputy, General Mamadou Touré. Interior minister Botche Candé was also detained. Opposition candidate Fernando Dias and Domingos Simões Pereira were arrested too. However, Dias later announced he had escaped and promised to resist the coup. An international election monitor also reported the arrest of the head of the electoral commission. Soldiers from the presidential guard secured the presidential palace.
The Military Takes Control
At the army headquarters, military officers made an announcement on state television. Brigadier General Dinis Incanha, a spokesman and head of the military household at the presidential palace, led the statement. They declared they had taken "total control" of the country.
The officers ordered the suspension of all political institutions and media. They also stopped the electoral process and closed international borders. An indefinite overnight curfew was put in place. They announced the formation of the "High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order." This command, made up of all parts of the armed forces, would lead the country temporarily. Citizens were urged to remain calm. The army also tried to cut off the country's internet access. Incanha stated the coup was launched to stop a plan to destabilize the country. He mentioned concerns about stability and outside influences trying to manipulate election results.
What Happened Next: A New Interim Leader
Horta Inta-A Na Man Becomes Interim President
On November 27, the High Military Command made another important announcement. They proclaimed General Horta Inta-A Na Man, the army chief of staff, as the head of a military government. This new government is set to oversee a one-year transition period for the country.
See also
In Spanish: para niños
