Guinea-Bissau's new military leader takes steps to strengthen control following coup

Days after a coup removed President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, Guinea-Bissaus new military leader has taken steps to consolidate authority. On Friday, General Horta Inta-A issued a decree appointing Finance Minister Ilidio Vieira Te as the countrys prime minister.

During a brief swearing-in ceremony, Inta-A told Te that the citizens expect a lot from their leadership and expressed hope that the military administration and the new prime minister would work hand-in-hand for the nations stability.

Both Inta-A, who became Guinea-Bissaus transitional president on Thursday, and Te have close ties to the deposed president Embalo. Te had previously served in Embalos government and acted as campaign director for Embalos party in last Sundays presidential election.

The announcement follows a televised declaration by military officers, who claimed they had taken full control of the country just before provisional election results were to be released. Embalo was seeking re-election against Fernando Dias, with both candidates claiming victory before the official results were announced.

International reaction has been swift. The African Union suspended Guinea-Bissau immediately, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) barred the country from participating in its decision-making bodies. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the coup as an unacceptable violation of democratic principles, while the European Union called for a swift return to constitutional order and continuation of the electoral process.

Senegals prime minister, where Embalo has sought refuge, denounced the coup as a sham and demanded that the electoral commission be allowed to declare the winner. Dias, the opposition candidate, claimed he won Sundays election and accused Embalo of orchestrating the takeover to remain in power. Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, observing the elections at the time, described the events as a ceremonial coup.

UN human rights chief Volker Turk reported that at least 18 individuals, including government officials, magistrates, and opposition politicians, were arbitrarily detained, with many still held incommunicado. Turk condemned the arrests and threats against media and journalists, calling for the immediate release of detainees and restoration of constitutional governance.

Meanwhile, calm returned to Bissau on Friday. The overnight curfew imposed during the coup was lifted, allowing residents and vehicles to move freely. Banks, markets, and the main stock exchange reopened, providing a sense of normalcy to daily life. I resumed my work because if I stay home, I will have nothing to eat, said Boubacar Embalo, a 25-year-old street vendor.

Analysis: Consolidation of Power in Guinea-Bissau After Military Coup

In the wake of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo’s ousting, the military-led regime in Guinea-Bissau is moving quickly to consolidate power. The appointment of Ilidio Vieira Te as prime minister by General Horta Inta-A marks the next step in solidifying control over the nation. This decree highlights a close relationship between the newly appointed leadership and the former president, suggesting a continuity of interests despite the coup. Both Te and Inta-A are well-connected to the deposed leader, creating an air of familiarity and possible tensions regarding the legitimacy of their positions.

The swift moves to stabilize the nation follow a chaotic coup just before the announcement of the presidential election results. While the military claims "full control," the timing raises questions about the validity of the electoral process, with both presidential candidates, Embalo and opposition leader Fernando Dias, asserting victory prior to the official count. This situation has exacerbated the perception of a rigged process, further complicating the political landscape.

International responses to the coup have been forceful. The African Union's immediate suspension of Guinea-Bissau and the measures taken by ECOWAS, including a ban on participation in regional decision-making, underscore the gravity of the situation. Condemnation from the United Nations and the European Union highlights the global consensus on the importance of restoring constitutional order. The calls for a swift return to democratic processes seem unlikely to resonate within a government firmly entrenched by military authority.

Meanwhile, local life in Bissau appears to be returning to a semblance of normalcy, with the curfew lifted and markets reopening. However, the arrests of opposition politicians, government figures, and activists continue to raise concerns about the long-term stability of the nation and the erosion of human rights. With at least 18 individuals reportedly detained, the international community, led by UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk, has condemned the arbitrary arrests and the ongoing crackdown on free speech. The situation remains fraught, with both local and global implications for the future of Guinea-Bissau.

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• Guinea-Bissau’s new military ruler moves to consolidate power after coup