Was it coup or was it a 'sham'? Behind Guinea-Bissau's military takeover
Summary
Military officers in Guinea-Bissau announced they took control of the country, with President Umaro Sissoco Embaló reportedly arrested. The military claimed they intervened to prevent a plot involving unnamed politicians and a drug baron, though some doubt the nature of this takeover. Just days before the military action, Guinea-Bissau held a presidential election, but the results were interrupted by the incident.Key Facts
- Military officers claimed to seize control of Guinea-Bissau, arresting President Umaro Sissoco Embaló.
- Gunfire was reported near the presidential palace, and military leaders spoke on state TV.
- The military did not call their actions a "coup," saying they acted to stop a plot involving politicians and a drug baron.
- There was a presidential election in Guinea-Bissau three days before the military action, but results were disrupted.
- The opposition questioned the nature of the takeover, noting unusual circumstances in Embaló's release and departure to Senegal.
- Armed men reportedly destroyed election documents and servers, stopping the release of election results.
- International figures like Goodluck Jonathan expressed skepticism about the coup's legitimacy.
- This event adds to Guinea-Bissau's history of numerous coups since gaining independence.
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