Military officers in Guinea-Bissau have declared that they now have “total control” of the country, suspending the electoral process and shutting all borders, three days after tightly contested presidential and legislative elections that have left the nation on edge.
Gunfire rattled parts of Bissau on Wednesday, particularly around the presidential palace, where men in military uniform seized the main road leading to the building. The incident deepened anxiety in the coup-prone West African state, which has endured repeated political upheavals over the years.
According to information gathered from an AFP report, the officers made their announcement at the General Staff of the Armed Forces headquarters in the capital. Journalists present at the scene said the statement was read aloud by military personnel, who proclaimed that the institution was stepping in to take charge of national affairs.
“We are taking total control of the country,” the officers said in the statement, before confirming that the borders were being closed and the ongoing electoral process suspended.
The events unfolded just days after the presidential and legislative polls, in which both major candidates claimed victory. That dispute added fresh uncertainty to an already fragile political environment. Tensions escalated further when gunfire was heard in the early hours of Wednesday, followed by the appearance of military vehicles and armed officers securing strategic points around the palace.
Guinea-Bissau has a long history of military interventions in politics, with several coups, attempted coups, and prolonged instability shaping its democratic journey since independence. The latest turn of events instantly revived fears of another extended crisis in a country that has struggled to maintain stable governance.
AFP photographs from the day showed Brigadier General Denis N’Canha speaking at the press briefing, reinforcing the military’s position and confirming their move to assume authority.
As of the time of filing this report, there were no details yet on the whereabouts or status of the sitting president or the candidates who claimed victory in Sunday’s vote. Citizens have also been left without clear guidance on what the suspension of the electoral process means for the country’s immediate political future.
The development has drawn global attention due to Guinea-Bissau’s repeated clashes between elected leaders and powerful military actors. The situation remains fluid and could evolve rapidly as the military tightens its control.
Daniel Otera is a dedicated journalist with over four years of experience in reporting, field coverage and fact-checking. He has built a reputation for telling stories with clarity, accuracy and a strong commitment to truth. Daniel’s work focuses on bringing verified information to the public while capturing the real experiences of people on the ground.