On November 26, 2023, Guinea-Bissau once again fell under military control following gunfire near the Presidential Palace. This incident resulted in the ousting of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, further highlighting the country’s ongoing struggle with instability and political discord.
In the wake of heavy gunfire and explosions, military personnel appeared on state television, announcing the deposition of President Embaló and the establishment of a High Military Command. The military swiftly sealed borders, halted media broadcasts, and imposed a curfew. This coup marks the twelfth successful military takeover in Africa within a decade, reiterating the pattern of armed interventions overshadowing electoral processes in Guinea-Bissau.
The coup was led by Brigadier-General Denis N’Canha, a career soldier from the Balanta ethnic group, who was previously tasked with protecting the President. Despite his reputation for loyalty, N’Canha chose to depose the leader he was meant to safeguard. Major General Horta Nta Na Man, also from the Balanta group and recently appointed Chief of General Staff, has been declared the transitional President. He argues that the coup was imperative to prevent a power takeover by narco-traffickers, promising a one-year transitional phase.
Guinea-Bissau has a long history of political instability, marked by corruption and criminal activities. Even as a significant global producer of cashew nuts, nearly 40% of the population lives in extreme poverty. The country has become a crucial transit point for cocaine smuggled from Latin America to Europe, exacerbated by weak governance and repeated military interventions. The erosion of democratic practices, including disputed elections and dissolved legislatures, has led to a persistent decline in public trust.
Organizations such as ECOWAS, the African Union, and the UN have condemned the coup, urging a restoration of constitutional governance. Foreign dignitaries, including former leaders from Nigeria and Mozambique, found themselves stranded amid the chaos. Observers express concern that Guinea-Bissau is ensnared in a cycle where military rule replaces democracy, leading to public resignation rather than active resistance. With yet another pledge for a return to civilian rule, the nation waits to see if history will repeat itself.
Q1. What led to the recent coup in Guinea-Bissau?
Answer: The coup in Guinea-Bissau was triggered by gunfire near the Presidential Palace, resulting in the ousting of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. Military leaders cited the need to prevent narco-traffickers from gaining power as a justification for their actions.
Q2. Who is the new transitional president of Guinea-Bissau?
Answer: Major General Horta Nta Na Man, formerly the Chief of General Staff, has taken over as the transitional president following the military coup, promising a one-year transitional phase.
Q3. How has Guinea-Bissau's political history affected its economy?
Answer: Chronic political instability and corruption have hindered economic development in Guinea-Bissau, where despite being a major cashew producer, 40% of the population lives in extreme poverty.
Q4. What role do international organizations play in Guinea-Bissau's political situation?
Answer: Organizations like ECOWAS and the African Union have condemned the coup and called for the restoration of constitutional order, emphasizing the need for democratic governance.
Q5. How many coups have occurred in Africa in the last decade?
Answer: In the past ten years, Africa has experienced at least 12 successful military coups, highlighting a troubling trend of military interventions in the region.
Question 1: What was the primary reason cited for the recent coup in Guinea-Bissau?
A) Economic reasons
B) To stop narco-traffickers
C) Public demand for change
D) International pressure
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Who became the transitional president after the military coup in Guinea-Bissau?
A) Umaro Sissoco Embaló
B) Denis N’Canha
C) Horta Nta Na Man
D) A foreign leader
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: Which organization condemned the coup in Guinea-Bissau?
A) NATO
B) ECOWAS
C) ASEAN
D) G20
Correct Answer: B
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