Militiamen in Guinea-Bissau have announced they are taking control of the country, suspending its election process and closing its borders. The move comes just three days after elections that both presidential candidates claim to have won.
According to a statement read out at the army's headquarters, military officers have formed a high command to restore order, citing instability in the aftermath of the votes. However, there is no clear indication on who will lead this new government or how long they will be in power.
Earlier this week, shots were heard near key election commission and government buildings, although it remains unclear who was behind the violence. The military takeover marks the latest in a string of coups and attempted coups that have plagued Guinea-Bissau since its independence from Portugal in 1974.
The West African nation is currently facing significant economic challenges, with an average yearly income of just $963 per person. According to the World Bank, this ranks among the lowest in the region. The country has also been labeled a "narco state" due to its role in facilitating international cocaine trafficking.
In the lead-up to elections on Sunday, both presidential contenders claimed victory, with President Umaro Sissoco Embaló seeking re-election and his main rival Fernando Dias vying for power. However, allegations of vote-rigging and attempted coups have fueled tensions in the country.
The current crisis has left many wondering what's next for Guinea-Bissau, a nation with a history of instability and conflict. The international community is watching closely as this volatile situation unfolds.
According to a statement read out at the army's headquarters, military officers have formed a high command to restore order, citing instability in the aftermath of the votes. However, there is no clear indication on who will lead this new government or how long they will be in power.
Earlier this week, shots were heard near key election commission and government buildings, although it remains unclear who was behind the violence. The military takeover marks the latest in a string of coups and attempted coups that have plagued Guinea-Bissau since its independence from Portugal in 1974.
The West African nation is currently facing significant economic challenges, with an average yearly income of just $963 per person. According to the World Bank, this ranks among the lowest in the region. The country has also been labeled a "narco state" due to its role in facilitating international cocaine trafficking.
In the lead-up to elections on Sunday, both presidential contenders claimed victory, with President Umaro Sissoco Embaló seeking re-election and his main rival Fernando Dias vying for power. However, allegations of vote-rigging and attempted coups have fueled tensions in the country.
The current crisis has left many wondering what's next for Guinea-Bissau, a nation with a history of instability and conflict. The international community is watching closely as this volatile situation unfolds.
This news from Guinea Bissau just broke my heart... I mean, not literally 
but it feels like the country is stuck in a cycle of chaos and instability that's hard to break free from. I've been following their elections and everything was set for a smooth transition, but it seems like the military has other plans 
.
... it's crazy to think that they're struggling so much just to make ends meet. And then you have the whole cocaine trafficking thing going on, which is like, totally not what any country wants to be associated with 
.
... the international community is trying to stay involved, but sometimes it feels like they're just sticking their noses in where they don't belong 
.
... i mean, i get it that elections got messy but suspending the whole country just seems like a huge overreaction to me. i'm all for stability but taking control of everything feels like a huge power grab. and what's with the 'restoring order' excuse? sounds like they're trying to cover their own backsides 
. i really wish someone could give us some clarity on who's behind this coup and what their plans are 
. we can't even say how long they'll be in power, that's super concerning. the whole situation just feels super volatile... 
i feel bad for the ppl living there they deserve better than all these coups & election drama. $963 a year is insane, how are they supposed to get by? anyway, gotta wonder who's behind all these shots being fired near election sites... maybe it's time for international intervention or something? idk, but this whole situation is just so frustrating 
. and who knows, maybe this high command will surprise everyone by choosing leaders who truly care about the people's well-being 
. it's worth holding onto hope, no matter how small it may seem 
.
