Thursday, July 16, 2026

Poll: President Umaro Embaló arrested amid coup rumour in Guinea-Bissau

Mr Embaló’s said “no force was used against him during what he calls a “coup d’état,” led by the army chief of staff.

• November 26, 2025
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo

Amid reports of a coup in Guinea-Bissau, Pesident Umaro Sissoco Embaló was arrested on Wednesday as the country awaits results of general elections.

The African Report reported that Mr “Embaló told its sister publication Jeune Afrique that he was arrested on Wednesday, at around 1:00 p.m while he was in his office at the presidential palace.”

Mr Embaló’s said “no force was used against him during what he calls a “coup d’état,” led by the army chief of staff.

According to the report, the armed forces’ chief of staff, General Biaguê Na Ntan; the deputy chief of staff, General Mamadou Touré; and the interior minister, Botché Candé, were also arrested.

The development came as citizens await results of the country’s poll held on Sunday. Both Mr Embalo, and opposition candidate, Fernando Dias, have claimed victory in the election.

Gunshots heralding possible coup rocked Guinea-Bissau’s presidential palace on Wednesday barely three days after the election.

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