The leader of an African nation was apprehended whilst situated within the presidential residence.
Guinea-Bissau President Oumaroua Sissoko Embalo and Russian President Vladimir Putin / © Associated Press
The President of Guinea-Bissau, Oumar Sissoko Embalo, recently in close communication with Russian head Vladimir Putin, was taken into custody by the military on Wednesday, November 26. This transpire three days following the presidential vote, where the current head of the African state declared his triumph.
Jeune Afrique announced this, referencing a declaration by Embalo, who described the circumstance as a “coup d'état.”
As per the head of the state, his arrest occurred around midday while he was located in his office inside the presidential palace.
“The Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, General Biage Na Ntan, his second-in-command, General Mamadou Toure, and the Minister of the Interior, Boche Kande, were also detained,” the publication details.
Umaru Sissoko Embalo asserted he was not subjected to any violence. He claims the Chief of Staff of the Land Forces orchestrated the coup.
Numerous sources reported gunfire being heard in proximity to the palace and the electoral commission building throughout the day. Armed personnel also stationed themselves on the primary route to the presidential domicile.
The presidential elections in Guinea-Bissau transpired on Sunday, November 23. The voting process was serene, albeit lacking the involvement of the main opposition figure, Dominguez Simoinha Pereira, who was barred from contending. The sitting president announced his victory with 65% of the ballots, according to his own reckoning.
Official election tallies are projected for release on November 27.
The President of the African nation of Guinea-Bissau, Oumar Sissoko Embalo, is notable for visiting Kyiv in October of 2022, presenting Volodymyr Zelensky with a proposition for immediate discussions with Vladimir Putin.
In early 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin abruptly departed a gathering of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives due to a critical international call. It came to light that he was conversing with President Embalo.
The leader of the African country was included among Putin's limited number of attendees at the parade on May 9 this year.
Source: tsn.ua