BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau (AP) — In a politically charged atmosphere, the main opposition candidate in Guinea-Bissau asserted victory in a closely contested presidential election held earlier this week. Fernando Dias, a member of the Social Renewal Party, made allegations against the incumbent leader, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, claiming that he fabricated a coup to escape defeat. The claims emerged late Wednesday as tensions heightened following the election.
In a video shared online, Dias accused the military takeover and reported arrest of Embaló as a ploy aimed at disrupting the anticipated election results. He stated that these actions were "fabricated" to undermine the legitimacy of the election, which was expected to yield results on Thursday. However, the Associated Press could not independently verify the claims made by Dias.
The opposition party, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde, was notably barred from participating in the voting process. Domingos Simões Pereira, the leader of this party and a former Prime Minister, lent his support to Dias, complicating the political landscape further. Together, they called for public protests against what they termed a coup and urged for the immediate release of the election results.
In the immediate aftermath of the electoral process, life in the capital city, Bissau, resumed its usual rhythm, with businesses and public transport slowly returning to normal. However, the political backdrop remained tense. Guinea-Bissau has a history of political instability, characterized by coups and attempted coups since gaining independence from Portugal over 50 years ago. The nation, with a population of approximately 2.2 million, is also recognized as a key transit hub for drug trafficking between Latin America and Europe, a factor that has significantly contributed to its ongoing political crises.
The unfolding situation is reflective of a broader trend of military takeovers across West Africa, where recent challenges to democratic governance have culminated in a number of disputed elections. Gunfire erupted in Bissau on Wednesday as military officers announced their takeover on state television, stating they had seized power amidst allegations of electoral manipulation. Embaló, who sought a rare second term as president, claimed he had been arrested as the election commission's office was sealed.
In a dramatic turn, Dias alleged that he managed to escape detention "through a backdoor" following reports of his arrest by soldiers. He vowed to resist the situation, proclaiming that "Umaro lost the elections, and instead of accepting the result, he fabricated a coup d’état.” His remarks echoed a sentiment of resilience among his supporters, as he expressed a determination to "liberate" the political narrative from the grasp of false accusations.
This electoral contest unfolded at a critical juncture for Guinea-Bissau, where the legitimacy of Embaló's administration had already come under scrutiny. The military spokesperson, Dinis N’Tchama, announced the supposed coup citing uncovered plans to manipulate electoral results involving known drug traffickers and domestic and foreign collaborators.
The international community reacted promptly to the reported coup, with various organizations and nations condemning the military's actions. The United Nations expressed its concern over the situation, indicating a watchful stance as events continued to unfold. The political landscape in Guinea-Bissau remains precarious, leaving citizens and observers anxiously awaiting the resolution of the ongoing crisis.
