Bissau, Guinea-Bissau: General Horta Nta Na Man has been sworn in as the transitional president of Guinea-Bissau, following a military takeover that deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embaló. The oath-taking ceremony took place at the army’s headquarters in the capital, marking the latest episode of political instability in the West African nation.
Nta Na Man, previously the chief of staff of Guinea-Bissau’s army, has been closely associated with Embaló in recent years. He stated that evidence justified the military operation and emphasized the need for urgent measures with the participation of all citizens.
The African Union (AU) condemned the coup, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Embaló and all other detained officials. On Wednesday, military officers, referring to themselves as the High Military Command for the Restoration of Order, announced that they had taken control of the country, suspending the electoral process.
The coup occurred one day before provisional results were expected from a closely contested presidential election. Embaló and challenger Fernando Dias, a 47-year-old newcomer in national politics, had both declared victory, heightening tensions in the capital. Gunfire was reported near the election commission, the presidential palace, and the Ministry of the Interior on Wednesday, contributing to the uncertainty.
Communiqué du Président de la Commission de l’Union africaine sur la situation en Guinée-Bissau
Addis-Abeba, le 26 novembre 2025 — Le Président de la Commission de l’Union africaine, S.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, condamne sans équivoque le coup d’État militaire survenu en… pic.twitter.com/hlUtq0biSr
— African Union (@_AfricanUnion) November 27, 2025
Following Nta Na Man’s swearing-in, Bissau remained largely quiet on Thursday. Soldiers patrolled the streets while many residents stayed indoors, and most businesses and banks remained closed. Embaló confirmed via phone that he had been deposed and was at the general staff headquarters, though his current location remained unclear.
Analysts say Nta Na Man’s rise consolidates the military’s influence, which has historically been a decisive force in Guinea-Bissau, a country that has seen dozens of coups since independence from Portugal in 1974. Observers note that while elections may still take place in the future, the political timeline has been thrown into question.
The transitional leadership under Nta Na Man underscores the fragility of Guinea-Bissau’s political system, where the military has repeatedly intervened in governance. The nation now faces uncertainty over the electoral process, governance, and security, as the new leadership seeks to assert control amid domestic and international scrutiny.
