What's happened
Guinea-Bissau's military seized power after disputed elections, suspending the government and arresting President Embaló. The AU and ECOWAS condemned the coup, which follows a pattern of regional instability and political crises fueled by corruption and drug trafficking. The military plans a one-year transition.
What's behind the headline?
The recent coup in Guinea-Bissau reflects a broader regional pattern of military interventions driven by weak institutions, disputed elections, and illicit activities like drug trafficking. The military's move to install Gen. Horta Inta-a signals a desire for control amid ongoing political chaos. International responses, including sanctions and condemnations, highlight regional fears of further destabilization. The coup's timing—just before election results—suggests a strategic attempt to influence future political trajectories, possibly to protect vested interests or avoid electoral defeat. The regional bloc ECOWAS's cautious approach indicates a recognition that rushed sanctions could deepen instability, but the long-term impact remains uncertain. The situation underscores the fragility of democracy in West Africa and the persistent influence of illicit networks on political stability.
What the papers say
AP News and The Independent provide detailed accounts of the military takeover, emphasizing regional condemnation and the political context. AP News highlights the AU's suspension and the military's plan for a transitional government, while The Independent discusses the broader pattern of coups in West Africa and the regional response. Both sources agree on the destabilizing impact of the coup but differ slightly in their focus—AP on international reactions, The Independent on regional trends and implications. The contrasting perspectives underscore the complexity of the crisis, with regional actors wary of further chaos but also cautious about hasty sanctions that could worsen the situation.
How we got here
Guinea-Bissau, one of the world's poorest countries, has experienced multiple coups since independence in 1974. Its political instability is compounded by widespread corruption, economic struggles, and its role as a drug trafficking hub between Latin America and Europe. Recent elections were contested, with both candidates claiming victory, leading to tensions that culminated in the military takeover.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What’s happening with Hezbollah and Israel right now?
Tensions between Hezbollah and Israel are escalating following recent military actions and threats. With Hezbollah warning of possible retaliation after the killing of a top commander, many are wondering what this means for regional stability. Could this lead to a wider conflict? Here’s what you need to know about the current situation, regional responses, and what might happen next.
-
Guinea-Bissau Coup: What’s Happening and What’s Next?
The recent military coup in Guinea-Bissau has shocked many, raising questions about the country's future and regional stability. With the military seizing power after disputed elections and arresting the president, concerns are growing about what this means for Guinea-Bissau and West Africa as a whole. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this crisis, including regional responses, historical context, and what might happen next.
-
What Are the Main Causes of the Guinea-Bissau Coup?
The recent military coup in Guinea-Bissau has raised many questions about what led to this upheaval. Political instability, corruption, and regional issues all play a role in shaping the country's current crisis. Below, we explore the key factors behind the coup and what it means for Guinea-Bissau's future.
More on these topics
-
Guinea-Bissau, officially the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, is a country in West Africa that covers 36,125 square kilometres (13,948 sq mi) with an estimated population of 2,026,778. It borders Senegal to its north and Guinea to its southeast.
Guinea-Bissau.
-
Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embaló (born 23 September 1972) is a Bissau-Guinean politician and former military officer who served as the sixth president of Guinea-Bissau from 2020 until he was deposed in a coup d'état in 2025. A member of the Madem G15 party.
-
The African Union is a continental union consisting of 55 member states located on the continent of Africa. The AU was announced in the Sirte Declaration in Sirte, Libya, on 9 September 1999, calling for the establishment of the African Union.
-
The Economic Community of West African States, also known as ECOWAS, is a regional political and economic union of fifteen countries located in West Africa.
-
Senegal, officially the Republic of Senegal, is a country in West Africa. Senegal is bordered by Mauritania in the north, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast, and Guinea-Bissau to the southwest.