The latest development from our sister country, Guinea Bissau, is not encouraging amid military takeover on Wednesday 26 November 2025. The situation unfolded in a dramatic fashion thus leaving many wondering. The development comes at a crucial time when voters in this former Portuguese colony were awaiting the final results following a keenly contested presidential elections. As planned, results were supposed to be announced on Thursday, 27 November 2025.
However, there is growing suspicion regarding the veracity of the whole episode in Bissau, as some authorities believe it was a deal between the outgoing leader – Embalo and the military to bar the opposition leader Fernando Dias from assuming office as democratically elected president, as claimed by many observers.
Assessing the whole situation, Goodluck Jonathan, former president of Nigeria, an election observer during the country’s recent election, revealed a shocking revelation that many came to the conclusion that this ‘wasn’t a coup.’
“While we were in Bissau and this so-called coup happens, the information we received was that the whole country was agitated young and old irrespective of both religious and political divides and I sincerely appreciate Nigerians and I want them to directly hear this from my mouth to appreciate their concern.”
Mr Jonathan categorially stated that specifically, what happened in Guinea Bissau wasn’t a coup and even struggled to find a better word to describe the action before finally using the word - it was a “ceremonial coup”.
He made reference to two important issues: President Embalo himself “who announced the coup and “before the military came to address the world that they were in charge of government; something he finds “strange.”
Not only that, Jonathan also observed that the deposed leader when the coup took place was using his phone to address media organisations around the globe that he was arrested.
Thus, he shared some insights in military coups, especially how they keep presidents when actually a coup occurs, making reference to the Malian case.
He affirmed that the military don’t takeover government and that the sitting president that was overthrown would be allowed to address a press conference.
To this end, he maintained that what happened in the former Portuguese colony was disturbing to him and anyone who believes in democracy.
And the Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousman Sonko also shared similar beliefs, when he addressed Senegalese Parliament on Friday, adding that the whole issue was “cooked and was a deal."
After his comment Emballo contacted Den̈nis Sassou Guesso of Congo Brazzaville to take him from Dakar to find refuge in Congo – which he did according to Africa Confidential. Last Thursday, the deposed leader -Embalo left Bissau for Dakar on a special flight, according to reliable sources.
Meanwhile, opposition leader of Guinea Bissau Fernando DIAS also fled to Zinguinchor, Senegal over the weekend to find refuge for security reason.
A delegation of ECOWAS is expected today to meet the new authorities of Bissau, according to media reports.
What is even drawing many to believe that it was a deal is that even the opposition in Bissau also shared the sentiment that it’s a ‘fake coup.’
Meanwhile, the Government of The Gambia in a media dispatch joined the global community to express profound shock and deep concern over this attempt to overturn the will of the people.
In the release, The Gambia government considers this action a blatant violation of shared democratic principles and an unfortunate setback to the hard-earned progress made by the government and people of Guinea Bissau and the ECOWAS region in democracy and constitutional rule.
We therefore call on the regional bloc – ECOWAS to act swiftly and ensure normalcy returns to the country. They should also engage the military to go back to the barracks.
Mr President, for the records, this former Portuguese colony has had a history of political instability since independence. Over the years, the country has witnessed at least 6 attempted coups and four successful coups have been registered from Independence in 1974 to date.
Unfortunately the most fatal one was the March second 2009 coup when late President Nino Vieira and several senior officials were killed. It is sad and noteworthy that only a single democratically president has been able to complete a full term in office, which is Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who was in power from 2020 to last month.
Mr President, it is also important to note that Guinea Bissau is grappling with numerous challenges and the country is considered a major transit point for the global drug trade and has frequently been labeled a "narco-state" by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
This has placed the country as ranked lowest in Global Organized Crime Index, considering its involvement in drug trafficking.
In addition, the country’s geographical location and our existing ties make it a paramount task for The Gambia and Senegal to lead a lasting peaceful solution to the current development before it escalates. Let’s remember that our countries are so close that a threat to one is a threat to all.
Also, extremists and opportunists operating in this part of our region are always looking for such opportunities to take advantage of and cause mayhem and anarchy.
What is even worrisome is that coups are becoming rampant in this part of our region. In recent years we’ve all witnessed coups, which are greatly hampering our development as a region.
Earlier on, we witnessed coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea Conakry and now in Guinea Bissau. This is rather unfortunate and we pray that democratic dispensation returns to these countries as soon as possible.
Our region which lies close on the edge to the Sahel Belt has become a target for increasing jihadists operation. Their strong influence in this region is alarming and so there is need for constant surveillance to curb their growing movement.
While the situation gradually returns to normalcy in Senegal’s southern province of Cassamance, where MFDC rebel movement used to be active fighting for independence, there should be no room for complacency in ensuring that peace and security is strengthened.
Finally, Mr President, this Guinea Bissau issue is a lesson others should learn from. Our leaders should learn how to leave office honourably rather than employing means to cling onto power. From experience, overstaying in power always leads to instability, while interfering in democratic governance to suit one’s desire and aspirations.
It would be recalled that on 12 September 2024, the wife of ex-president Umaro Sissoco Embalo, Dinisca Reis Embalo encouraged him (Embalo) not to seek a second term, which he agreed initially, only to rescind his decision five days later.
It's always good to quit on time before being “forced out.”
Good day!
Editorial The Point