General Horta N'Tam sworn in after Guinea-Bissau military coup that ousted Embalo: Video
General Horta N'Tam was sworn in as the president of Guinea-Bissau on Thursday, November 27, following a military coup that ousted former President Umaro Sissoco Embalo.
The country’s Military High Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order said the takeover was intended to “restore public security,” citing an alleged plot involving a drug lord and claims that government officials were attempting to manipulate election results.
The army announced that the 53-year-old Embalo had been removed from office, suspended all state institutions, and closed the country’s borders and airspace. A nightly curfew has also been imposed. Media reports indicate that Embalo and several high-ranking officials were detained during the takeover.
The coup comes just days after the presidential election, in which both Embalo and his main rival, Fernando Dias, claimed victory before official results were announced.
Guinea-Bissau has a long history of political instability, with Thursday’s takeover marking the fifth successful and ninth attempted military coup since the country gained independence from Portugal in 1974.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
