Guinea-Bissau Military Intervention (November 2025)

Military Coup in Guinea-Bissau is the event in which a group of military officers declared the seizure of political power and suspended the existing government system following armed clashes that erupted in the country’s capital on 26 November 2025. The coup occurred shortly before the official announcement of election results and triggered a new political crisis after the military announced its takeover of the government.

Guinea-Bissau, 26 November 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

Beginning of the Coup and Initial Statements

Armed Clashes and Announcement of Control

On the morning of 26 November 2025, gunshots were heard around the presidential palace in the capital Bissau. Witnesses reported prolonged clashes near the headquarters of the National Electoral Commission. On the same day, a group of soldiers appeared on state television and announced that they had taken control of the government, seized authority over the state and consolidated the country’s administration under the name “Supreme Military Command.” The statement declared that the electoral process had been suspended and borders closed.

President Embaló’s Status

Some reports indicated that President Umaro Sissoco Embaló had been detained or removed from office by the military. It was reported that the president’s residence and the presidential complex had been taken under control by units involved in the coup. It was confirmed that effective leadership of the country had passed into the hands of the military.

Guinea-Bissau, 26 November 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

Political Context and Conditions Leading to the Coup

The coup took place during a period when the official results of the presidential and parliamentary elections held on 23 November 2025 had not yet been announced. It was alleged that political tensions had been heightened by the disqualification of some candidates and controversial judicial rulings affecting the nomination process. Since gaining independence in 1974, Guinea-Bissau has witnessed numerous military coups, coup attempts and government crises.

Coup Process and International Reactions

Coup Announcements and Domestic Situation

The military group that announced the coup declared that the entire state administration had been brought under control and that security institutions and state organs would operate under the newly established military structure. The closure of national borders, the suspension of the electoral process and the halting of political institutions’ functioning were key elements defining the scope of the intervention.

Reactions from Regional Organizations and International Observers

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and African Union observers reported that they were following developments “with serious concern” following the coup. These organizations stated that the interruption of the electoral process and the military’s seizure of power could have negative consequences for the country’s democratic order and regional stability. International news agencies reported rising tensions in the region and warned that the events could impact regional security.

Guinea-Bissau, 26 November 2025 – (Anadolu Agency)

General Situation in the Country Following the Events

On the day of the coup, it was reported that security forces were deployed at multiple locations in the capital and that government buildings and strategic areas were under military control. Most state institutions had suspended their operations and daily life had taken on an extraordinary character. With the military’s announcement that it had halted the electoral process, uncertainty emerged regarding the future of elections in the country.

General Horta N'Tam Sworn In as President

Following the military’s takeover of power the previous day, General Horta N'Tam was sworn in as “interim president” of Guinea-Bissau. Guinea-Bissau State Television TGB announced that General N'Tam had taken the oath of office in an official ceremony held at the General Staff headquarters as the country’s new president. N'Tam is expected to lead the country during a transition period planned to last one year.

Embaló Transported to Senegal

On 28 November, it was announced that former President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, ousted in the military coup in Guinea-Bissau, had been transported to Senegal.

In a statement from Senegal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was reported that Embaló had arrived in Senegal “unharmed” on a plane provided by Senegal. The statement reaffirmed the Senegalese government’s firm commitment to supporting the swift restoration of constitutional order and democratic legitimacy.

Suspension of Guinea-Bissau’s ECOWAS Membership

On 28 November, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced the suspension of Guinea-Bissau’s membership in its decision-making bodies following the military coup that removed President Umaro Sissoco Embaló from office.

ECOWAS’s Mediation and Security Council adopted this decision following an extraordinary virtual summit convened by the heads of state and government of member countries to discuss the political crisis. At the meeting chaired by ECOWAS Chairperson and Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, the organization emphasized its “serious concern” over the deepening political crisis in Guinea-Bissau and called on the military to return to their barracks.