In brief
In a swift political turn, General Horta N'Tam has been sworn in as Guinea-Bissau's transitional president just a day after a military coup, which has led to the suspension of the electoral process. Allegations have surfaced claiming that the outgoing president staged the coup to invalidate election results. Civil society groups and rivals of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló are demanding accountability and the release of detained officials. The African Union has expressed concern over the coup and called for the respect of the electoral process in the country known for its turbulent political history.
An army general has been sworn in as Guinea-Bissau's new head of state a day after what appears to be a coup. General Horta N'Tam becomes the transitional president for a year, having been sworn in Thursday in subdued proceedings at the army headquarters.
N'Tam, previously head of the presidential guard, faced reporters with a serious demeanor. Some civil society groups have accused outgoing President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of orchestrating a simulated coup to obstruct the release of electoral results from what could be a questionable election outcome.
The civil society coalition, Popular Front, denounced the military's actions, suggesting that the coup aimed to prevent the publication of electoral results expected on November 27. The tension escalated after gunfire was reported in the capital, Bissau, as military officers claimed control and announced a suspension of the electoral process.
Reports claim Embaló has been detained by the military. In a phone call, he stated, I have been deposed. The African Union reacted by demanding the immediate release of the detained officials and emphasized the importance of adhering to the electoral process.
Guinea-Bissau, with a history of political instability, has witnessed multiple coups since its independence in 1974. The military's recent actions have raised alarms among international observers, with calls from Portugal and other entities for the restoration of constitutional order.
