General Horta Inta-A has taken charge of Guinea-Bissau as the transitional president, just a day after the country’s military announced that it had removed President Umaro Sissoco Embaló from power. The unexpected takeover has pushed the West African nation—long troubled by political instability—into yet another period of uncertainty.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Thursday at the army headquarters in Bissau, where Inta-A, formerly the army’s chief of staff, declared that he had officially assumed the leadership of the High Military Command. Dozens of armed soldiers were deployed around the area during the event.
Inta-A, who was previously seen as an ally of Embaló, said the military acted after gathering what he called “enough evidence” to justify the operation. He stressed that urgent measures were needed to restore order and called on citizens to support the transition.
The African Union immediately condemned the coup and demanded the unconditional release of Embaló and all detained officials. Regional and international concern continues to grow as Guinea-Bissau adds yet another chapter to its long history of coups and attempted coups.
According to the military leaders, who now refer to themselves as the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order,” the decision to remove Embaló came ahead of the expected announcement of provisional election results. The presidential race had been tight, with Embaló facing strong competition from Fernando Dias, a 47-year-old newcomer who had quickly gained national attention.
As soldiers took positions across Bissau on Thursday, the streets remained unusually quiet. Many residents stayed indoors even after the curfew was lifted, and businesses—including banks—remained closed. The tense atmosphere followed a chaotic Wednesday marked by gunfire near the election commission, the presidential palace and the interior ministry.
Embaló later told France24 by phone that he had been “deposed” and was being held at the general staff headquarters. His exact location remained unclear by Thursday.
Political analysts say the appointment of Inta-A raises fresh questions about the future of elections in the country. Reporting from Senegal, observers noted that although an election may eventually take place, it is unlikely to happen soon. Inta-A appeared firmly backed by senior military officers, a critical factor in a nation that has experienced numerous coups over several decades.
As Guinea-Bissau once again faces an uncertain future, concerns are growing both domestically and internationally about the stability of the country, the fate of its democratic process and the safety of its elected leaders.