Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Embalo, on Monday, dissolved the country’s parliament following the outburst the previous week between members of the national guard and the special forces of the presidential guard, which he described as “an attempted coup”

The decree issued by Mr Embalo states that a new date for fresh elections will be announced at an opportune time and in line with the constitution.

A scuffle ensued on Thursday night between members of the national guard and special forces of the presidential guard in the capital, Bissau, leaving two dead.

The shootout was purported to be an attempt to re-arrest finance minister Souleiman Seidi and secretary of state for the treasury Antonio Monteiro.

Arriving at Bissau from the COP 28 climate conference in Dubai on Saturday, Mr Embalo stated that “an attempted coup d’etat” hindered his sooner arrival.

According to the President, “the normal functioning of the institutions of the Republic has become impossible.”

“The date of forthcoming legislative elections will be set at the opportune moment, in line with the constitution,” Mr Embalo added.

The country has witnessed several coups since becoming an independent state. In February 2022, an attack which was purportedly targeted on the presidential palace was termed ‘an attempted coup’.