Guinea-Bissau Coup: Military Seizes Power, Junta Leader Announced Amid Election Dispute
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Bissau, Guinea-Bissau - In a dramatic escalation of a disputed presidential election, Guinea-Bissau's military high command has announced a new junta leader, General Horta Inta-A, to oversee a one-year transition period. The move comes after a tense election on Sunday, which saw both incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and opposition candidate Fernando Dias claim victory. The military takeover has sparked widespread condemnation from the African Union, South Africa, and France, with calls for the immediate restoration of democracy and the respect of the electoral process. Embalo's whereabouts remain unknown, with reports suggesting he was arrested by soldiers as gunshots rang out near the presidential palace. The opposition has accused Embalo of fabricating the coup to avoid an election defeat, while the military claims they intervened to prevent the manipulation of electoral results. The situation has raised concerns about the stability of the country, which has been plagued by coups and attempted coups since its independence over 50 years ago. Guinea-Bissau, one of the world's poorest countries, has struggled with drug trafficking and political instability, with experts saying that the military intervention may be a symptom of deeper institutional weaknesses. The country's history of military takeovers and disputed elections has raised fears of a broader trend in West Africa, where democracy is facing challenges. The African Union has pledged to work with partners to restore stability and safeguard the democratic process, while the opposition has vowed to fight back against what they see as a false coup d'etat. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is watching closely, with concerns about the future of democracy in Guinea-Bissau.
