Confusion, anger in post-coup Guinea-Bissau

"With Guinea-Bissau in political turmoil since the 2025 election and subsequent coup, distrust and anger are rife among the country's opposition parties. "There is clear evidence that the deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embalo himself is behind this so-called coup," former justice minister Carmelita Pires told DW. She says indications suggest opposition candidate Fernando Dias da Costa won the presidential election by a wide margin an outcome Embalo, who was also running, was unwilling to accept."

"A group of generals seized power on November 26, 2025, one day before the election results were due. The mutineers, led by General Horta Inta-A Na Man, claimed they wanted to protect the country from drug cartelsand their alleged influence over politics. "This coup served one purpose only. To prepare Sissoco Embalo's return to power," Pires, who has been living in Portugalsince the military takeover, said."

"Embalo has since withdrawn from public view. Following the coup, he traveled with his entourage to Brazzaville, capital of the Republic of the Congo. A few days later, he reportedly found refuge in Morocco. His exact whereabouts remain unknown. Former Justice Minister Carmelita Pires has called on the international community to intervene in Guinea-BissauImage: DW/F. Tchuma A country in limbo The parliamentary polls held on election day were also declared null and void."

Guinea-Bissau remains in political turmoil after the 2025 election and a military takeover. Opposition figures claim Fernando Dias da Costa won by a wide margin and allege that deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embalo blocked the official result. A group of generals seized power one day before results were due, claiming to protect the country from drug cartels. Former justice minister Carmelita Pires says the coup aimed to prepare Embalo's return and that the coup leaders come from his inner circle. Embalo left the country for Brazzaville and Morocco. Parliamentary polls were annulled, the PAIGC barred, and the country left in limbo, prompting calls for international intervention.

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