Guinea-Bissau Army Seizes Power, Suspends Constitution in ‘Emergency’

“National Security and Constitutional Order Must Be Restored,” says the High Military Command

BISSAU, November 26, 2025 — Guinea-Bissau’s military announced late Tuesday that it has taken full control of the state, suspended constitutional institutions, and imposed a nationwide curfew following what it described as the discovery of a major destabilization plot involving political figures and international drug networks.

The declaration, read on national television by Denise Encanha, Head of the Military House and senior military official, introduced a new governing body called the High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order.

A Coup Framed as “National Emergency”

In its statement, the High Command said it had “assumed the fullness of state powers” to prevent what it called an operational plan of national destabilization, allegedly involving:

• Certain national politicians,

• A “known drug baron” operating between Guinea-Bissau and abroad,

• And an alleged scheme to manipulate electoral results in the recent vote.

The military claimed the State Intelligence Service had uncovered war-grade weapon stockpiles linked to the plot, prompting immediate intervention.

“The Armed Forces have acted to defend peace, civil order, territorial integrity, and the independence of Guinea-Bissau,” the communiqué said.

Key Measures Announced

The High Command outlined sweeping emergency measures to “restore constitutional order”:

• Immediate removal of the President of the Republic from office.

• Suspension of all national institutions until further notice.

• Closure of all media outlets and suspension of broadcasting activities.

• Suspension of the ongoing electoral process.

• Closure of all borders, land, sea, and air.

• Imposition of a nationwide curfew from 19:00 to 06:00 “until further notice.”

The statement said these measures would remain in force “until the conditions for a full return to constitutional normality are re-established.”

Appeal for Calm

The High Command described its action as a “patriotic and necessary response” to a national emergency, calling on citizens to remain calm and cooperate with the armed forces.

“We appeal for calm, collaboration, and understanding from all Guineans in the face of this grave situation, imposed by the need to safeguard national stability,” the statement concluded.

Regional Context

The development marks another political rupture in the fragile West African state, which has experienced multiple coups and attempted takeovers since its independence in 1974.

President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who came to power in 2020, had survived previous coup attempts, including one in February 2022 and another in December 2023.

This new declaration by the High Command comes just days after tense post-election disputes and reports of gunfire near the presidential palace, signaling a new phase of political uncertainty in the country.

What Comes Next

The international community, including ECOWAS and the African Union, is expected to react within hours.

Regional observers warn that the military’s control of communications and border closures could isolate Guinea-Bissau and destabilize the Gulf of Guinea corridor, already under pressure from trafficking and political volatility.

For now, the High Military Command says it will govern “temporarily” until stability and constitutional order are restored, a pledge that echoes past transitions, but one that will test both national unity and regional diplomacy.