West African political figures denounce Guinea-Bissau's coup as a 'sham'

Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan have expressed skepticism over the recent removal of Guinea-Bissau's president by military forces, suggesting it may not have been a genuine coup. The incident occurred just one day before the country's election results were scheduled to be announced.

Following the takeover, the military halted the electoral process and blocked the publication of results, claiming they prevented a plot aimed at destabilizing the already fragile nation. Both Sonko and Jonathan have called for the release of the election outcomes, although no proof has been provided to indicate that the coup was staged.

General Horta N'Tam has been declared the transitional president of Guinea-Bissau. The ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embal was flown to Senegal on a military charter flight late Thursday after being freed by the military.

Jonathan, leading election observers from the West African Elders Forum, described the event as a "ceremonial coup," questioning why Embal himself first announced his removal. He contrasted this with other recent regional coups, implying the situation in Guinea-Bissau was unusual. Meanwhile, Embal told France 24: "I have been deposed," and Sonko informed Senegalese lawmakers that the events were "a sham."

Despite claims by the opposition that the coup was orchestrated, no concrete evidence has emerged. Embal has not publicly responded to these allegations.

On Friday, General N'Tam appointed Ilidio Vieira T, formerly finance minister, as Guinea-Bissaus new prime minister. The African Union suspended the country following the unconstitutional military takeover, and the West African bloc ECOWAS echoed the call, urging the military to return to the barracks.

Guinea-Bissau has a history of military coups and faces challenges including drug trafficking. The army stated its intervention was intended to prevent a destabilization plot involving unnamed politicians and a prominent drug figure.

Locals expressed mixed reactions. A mother of three described her surprise at the military intervention amid ongoing election reporting, while another resident, Mohamed Sylla, criticized the disruption, saying it brought chaos. Others, like Suncar Gassama, expressed cautious support, hoping for improved living conditions under military oversight.

Author: Sophia Brooks