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.