Soldiers seize power in Guinea-Bissau.

Shortly after, these officers appeared on state television, announcing they had suspended the ongoing electoral process. This move came as the West African nation eagerly awaited the results of Sunday's presidential election. The military leaders claimed their actions were necessary to prevent a destabilization plot by unnamed politicians, allegedly backed by a "well-known drug baron." As part of their takeover, they also closed the country's borders and implemented a night-time curfew.

Guinea-Bissau, nestled between Senegal and Guinea, has a long history of political instability, marked by numerous coups. Since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, its military has wielded significant influence. The nation is also unfortunately known as a major hub for drug trafficking.

The election results, originally slated for Thursday, were highly anticipated, especially since both President Embaló and his main challenger, Fernando Dias, had already declared victory. Dias notably had the backing of former Prime Minister Domingos Pereira, who had been barred from running himself. In a phone call with France 24 late Wednesday afternoon, President Embaló confirmed his ousting, stating, "I have been deposed." Subsequent reports from government sources via the BBC indicate that Dias, Pereira, and Interior Minister Botché Candé have also been apprehended by the coup leaders. Additionally, army chief Gen Biague Na Ntan and his deputy, Gen Mamadou Touré, are reportedly in custody.

International observers, including election mission leaders from the African Union and the West African bloc Ecowas, swiftly condemned the events, voicing "deep concern" over the military's coup announcement. They highlighted that the nation was poised for the election results following what they considered an "orderly and peaceful" process. The observers found it particularly disappointing that the coup occurred just after they had met with both leading presidential candidates, who had assured them of their readiness to accept the democratic outcome.

The day's dramatic events began around 13:00 GMT, when residents of Bissau reported hearing gunshots. While the exact parties involved and potential casualties remained unclear, the AFP news agency reported widespread panic, with hundreds of people fleeing for safety. Later, General Denis N'Canha, head of the presidential palace's military household, formally announced the takeover, stating that officers had established "the High Military Command for the Restoration of Order" and urged citizens to remain calm.

As evening approached and a 19:00 GMT curfew loomed, Bissau's streets became deserted, with new military checkpoints appearing throughout the capital. Portugal, Guinea-Bissau's former colonial ruler, quickly called for a return to constitutional order, with its foreign ministry urging all parties to avoid any "institutional or civic violence." This latest upheaval adds to a troubling history for the nation, which has endured at least nine coups or attempted coups in the past five decades.

President Embaló has previously claimed to have survived several coup attempts during his tenure, though critics suggest he may have manufactured crises to suppress opposition. At 53, he aimed to be the first president in 30 years to secure a second consecutive term, despite earlier stating he wouldn't seek re-election. His legitimacy had already been a point of contention before the delayed elections, with the opposition arguing his term should have concluded in February 2025. This unfolding political drama is set against the backdrop of Guinea-Bissau being one of the world's poorest nations, with over two million residents. Its extensive coastline, dotted with uninhabited islands, unfortunately makes it an ideal transit point for drug traffickers, earning it the UN moniker of a "narco-state" due to its role in moving cocaine from Latin America to Europe.