The army in Guinea-Bissau says it has successfully foiled a coup plot aimed at destabilising the government just hours before the start of the country’s 2025 general election campaign. Several senior officers have been arrested in connection with what authorities described as an attempt to “subvert the constitutional order.”
The announcement was made by General Mamadu Ture, the army’s deputy chief of staff, during a press conference in Bissau on Friday. He revealed that the alleged coup attempt was intended to disrupt the electoral process but declined to disclose the exact number of officers detained or provide further operational details.
Among those reportedly arrested is Brigadier General Daba Nawalna, head of a military training centre located about 30 kilometres from the capital, Bissau.
The arrests come at a politically charged moment, with official campaign activities for the presidential and legislative elections set to begin on Saturday. The upcoming polls are expected to be dominated by President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who is seeking reelection after the disqualification of the main opposition party.
Speaking after a cabinet meeting on Thursday, Embaló issued a stern warning against any form of unrest during the campaign period.
“No disorder will be tolerated. The government has taken all necessary measures to ensure the safety of every candidate during this campaign,” he told reporters.
Guinea-Bissau, a small West African nation, has long struggled with political instability and military interference since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. The country has experienced over ten coup attempts, with the military maintaining strong influence in national politics for decades.
However, since the 2014 presidential election, Guinea-Bissau has been making gradual progress toward democratic governance and the rule of law. Despite this progress, observers say the latest incident underscores the country’s lingering fragility and the military’s continued role in political affairs.
In 2022, President Embaló survived what he described as an “attempted coup”, after gunmen attacked the presidential palace, killing several people. The president blamed elements within the security forces for orchestrating the failed power grab.
The thwarted coup in Guinea-Bissau comes amid growing regional anxiety over the resurgence of military takeovers in West Africa. Since 2020, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea have all witnessed coups that toppled democratically elected governments, raising concerns of democratic regression across the region.
Regional analysts say Guinea-Bissau’s recent developments could further test ECOWAS’s resolve in curbing unconstitutional changes of government.
Authorities insist that the country remains stable and that measures are in place to ensure peaceful elections.
General Ture reaffirmed the military’s loyalty to the constitution, stating that the army “will not allow any individual or group to jeopardize national stability.”
The presidential and legislative elections, scheduled for later this month, will be seen as a key test of Guinea-Bissau’s democratic resilience and its ability to hold credible polls amid mounting political tensions.
