CRISIS IN GUINEA-BISSAU: MILITARY SEIZURE OF POWER, GUNFIRE IN BISSAU, AND GLOBAL REACTION

Guinea-Bissau has entered yet another turbulent chapter in its political history as the nation becomes engulfed in uncertainty, military takeover, and civic fear. In what is being described as a decisive and aggressive shift of power, the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau declared that they have seized control of the government, dissolved the political authority of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, and suspended all election-related operations. This dramatic takeover was accompanied by alarming scenes of gunfire and civilian panic in Bissau, the country’s capital.

A MILITARY COMMAND TAKES CONTROL

The self-proclaimed “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order” announced that it has assumed full administrative and political control. Their justification for the intervention stems from alleged electoral irregularities and what they described as “a national security necessity.” The declaration also included immediate implementation of curfews, border closures, and the suspension of political activities. Government offices and electoral institutions were ordered to cease their functions until further notice.

This move has effectively nullified the presidential vote-counting process that was still underway. Just hours before the election results were expected to be announced, the military intervened — and the outcome has left the population in limbo.

GUNFIRE AND PANIC IN THE CAPITAL

Bissau witnessed a night of violence and fear as automatic gunfire echoed through key districts of the city. Eyewitnesses reported shots fired near the presidential palace, the national electoral commission headquarters, and the interior ministry facility. The sudden eruption of violence caught civilians off guard, sending residents fleeing from market areas, government zones, and residential districts.

Shops closed abruptly. Streets emptied. Parents rushed to retrieve children from schools and public spaces. Entire neighborhoods went into self-imposed lockdowns even before curfew orders were publicly stated. The atmosphere in Bissau quickly shifted from anticipation of election results to widespread anxiety about safety and political stability.

INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE AND CALLS FOR CALM

The international community reacted rapidly. Portugal, the former colonial power, issued a statement urging calm, the avoidance of bloodshed, and the restoration of democratic processes. Other diplomatic voices from the European Union, ECOWAS, and UN observer groups echoed similar sentiments — emphasizing that electoral integrity and civilian safety must be prioritized above factional interests.

There is increasing pressure on the military leadership to either justify their actions with verifiable evidence of electoral compromise or step back and allow the democratic procedure to resume. Observers have warned that a prolonged military hold on government could trigger sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and further economic hardship for the country.

IMPLICATIONS FOR GUINEA-BISSAU'S POLITICAL FUTURE

Guinea-Bissau is no stranger to coups — the nation has experienced multiple attempted or successful military power seizures since its independence. However, this current event is particularly destabilizing because it occurred at the peak of an expected democratic transition.

QUESTIONS NOW LOOM:

1.Will the military attempt to install a transitional government?

2.Will international pressure force a return to electoral results?

3.Will civil unrest escalate?

4.How will neighboring West African nations respond?

CONCLUSION

The unfolding situation in Guinea-Bissau is a stark reminder of the fragility of governance in nations where democratic institutions remain vulnerable to military intervention. As residents shelter in uncertainty and diplomats push for calm, the world watches closely to see whether Guinea-Bissau will emerge from this crisis with reinforced democratic foundations — or descend further into political volatility.