Horta Inta-A was sworn in as Guinea-Bissau’s new leader on Thursday, a day after the military removed the civilian government in a swift takeover ahead of the announcement of the weekend’s presidential election results.
In a statement, Inta-A said the military intervened due to threats to the country’s stability from politicians and criminal networks, without providing further details. The military government announced it will oversee a one-year transitional period, according to a declaration broadcast on state television.
“Created in response to the events of November 26, this new military entity immediately assumed supreme power in the state of Guinea-Bissau,” the general said during his inauguration.
The coup followed contested claims of victory in Sunday’s polls by incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias. Dias earlier accused Embaló of attempting to stage a “fake coup” to interfere with the election.
The capital, Bissau, was largely calm on Thursday, with soldiers patrolling the streets and many residents remaining indoors. The African Union condemned the takeover and called for Embaló’s release; his whereabouts remain unknown. On Wednesday, Embaló told French media that he had been detained by the military.
Guinea-Bissau, which has a history of military interventions and is known as a transit point for cocaine, has experienced multiple coups since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. Analysts note that the incident is part of a broader pattern of military takeovers in West Africa, often linked to disputed elections.
