Ousted Guinea-Bissau President Embalo Arrives in Brazzaville After Military Takeover

Guinea-Bissau’s ousted president, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, has arrived in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo, days after he was removed from power in a sudden military coup. His arrival was confirmed on Saturday by Congolese government sources who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity.

Embalo reportedly flew into Brazzaville aboard a private jet late in the morning and is expected to remain in the country for the time being. A source within the Congolese presidency revealed that the former leader, who had earlier declared victory in Guinea-Bissau’s national elections, is in close contact with the Congolese authorities.

Embalo, 53, is known to have longstanding ties with President Denis Sassou Nguesso and has made several visits to the Republic of Congo in the past.

Back home, political tensions continue to escalate. Guinea-Bissau’s leading opposition party announced that its headquarters in Bissau had been “invaded” by what it described as a “heavily armed militia.”

The party condemned the incident, calling it an attempt to intimidate critics and consolidate military control following the coup.

The military seized power on Wednesday, just one day before provisional election results were scheduled for release.

The timing of the takeover has fuelled widespread speculation, with analysts and political insiders pointing to several possible motives behind the coup. Some theories circulating within the region suggest that the military operation may even have occurred with tacit approval from Embalo himself a claim that remains unverified.

The armed forces have yet to offer a clear explanation for their actions, leaving Guinea-Bissau in a state of uncertainty. Regional bodies and the international community are closely monitoring developments, with concerns rising over the potential for further instability.

Embalo’s departure to Senegal immediately after the coup, followed by his relocation to Brazzaville, has only deepened questions about the unfolding political crisis.

As the situation develops, diplomatic efforts are expected to intensify in the coming days as West African leaders seek to restore stability and prevent the country from sliding into deeper turmoil.