President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau, attending the COP28 climate conference in Dubai, characterized the recent deadly clashes involving the National Guard as an “attempted coup.”
The unrest unfolded between National Guard members and special forces of the presidential guard in the capital, Bissau, leaving at least two dead. Embalo, returning to Bissau, denounced the attempted coup d’etat.”
“I must tell you this act will have serious consequences,” he added.
He revealed that the coup plot was orchestrated before the armed forces’ anniversary celebrations on November 16.
Guinea-Bissau since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, the small West African nation has seen a series of coups and coup attempts.
Embalo, who was elected to a five-year term in December 2019, survived a failed overthrow in February 2022.
A military official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the situation, said six soldiers were injured in the fighting and evacuated to neighbouring Senegal.
Calm had returned by noon on Friday to the small nation with a history of instability, following the announcement that the army had captured Colonel Victor Tchongo, commander of the National Guard.
On Saturday the security presence in Bissau was reduced, but soldiers were still visible around certain strategic buildings such as the presidential palace, the judicial police headquarters and some ministries.
Some National Guard officers and soldiers fled into the interior of the country, the army said in a statement Saturday, without specifying numbers.
“The General Staff of the armed forces hereby informs them that they must return to their place of assignment,” the statement continued.
Meanwhile, ECOWAS condemned the violence, urging the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators, expressing full solidarity with Guinea-Bissau. The situation led to a reduced security presence in Bissau, with soldiers visible around strategic buildings.
Embalo announced an investigatory commission concerning the detention of Finance Minister Souleiman Seidi and Treasury Secretary Antonio Monteiro, linked to a $10 million withdrawal from state accounts.
The National Guard’s actions prompted a call for adherence to the rule of law, emphasizing the need for elected officials to complete their terms in office.
Government spokesman Francisco Muniro Conte said Saturday: “We have always opted for the application of the law. A president who is elected must complete his term of office.”
“We cannot obstruct people who are facing justice, if the law is really respected,” he added.
Ada Peter
