Life gradually resumed in Guinea-Bissau’s capital on Friday, two days after the country experienced yet another military takeover — its fifth coup since independence in 1974. The return to relative calm followed Wednesday’s putsch, which unfolded just hours before officials were expected to release provisional results from the November 23 presidential and parliamentary elections.
The military has since appointed General Horta N’Tam, the army’s chief of staff, as transitional leader for a one-year period.
By Friday morning, activity had picked up along the main route stretching from Bissau’s port to the presidential palace. Vehicles, taxis and pedestrians were visible again, though security presence remained tight at strategic locations.
Markets reopened and traders returned to their stalls, though business was slow. “I resumed my work because if I stay home, I will have nothing to eat,” said 25-year-old street vendor Boubacar Embalo. “But things aren’t going too well. I’ve been moving around since morning and haven’t sold anything.”
While central Bissau showed signs of life, surrounding neighbourhoods remained subdued, with sparse crowds and minimal commercial activity.
Guinea-Bissau, a small coastal state bordered by Senegal and Guinea, has long struggled with chronic instability, poverty, and weak governance. These conditions have contributed to its reputation as a transit hub for Latin American cocaine destined for Europe.
Following the coup, the military sealed the nation’s land, air, and sea borders and imposed a curfew. Both restrictions have now been lifted, with authorities ordering schools, markets, and private offices to reopen.
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo departed the country for Senegal shortly after the takeover, while opposition candidate Fernando Dias da Costa has insisted he won last Sunday’s election. He accused Embalo of orchestrating the coup to prevent a transfer of power—a claim the outgoing president has denied.
The political climate recalls the disputed 2019 presidential election, which resulted in months of uncertainty as multiple contenders claimed victory. The impasse was only resolved when the regional bloc ECOWAS recognised Embalo as the legitimate winner in April 2020.
As Guinea-Bissau enters yet another transition, the country faces familiar questions about stability, governance, and the path forward from its latest political upheaval.
