In brief
The coup that ousted Guinea-Bissau's president is being labeled a 'sham' by prominent West African political figures, including Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan. Their skepticism stems from the timing of the military action, which coincided with the announcement of election results, without evidence supporting claims that the coup was coordinated. Amidst political tensions and accusations, Guinea-Bissau's new transitional leadership is facing scrutiny from both domestic civilians and international communities.
Senegal's prime minister and Nigeria's former president have stated they do not believe the ousting of Guinea-Bissau's president by the military was a genuine coup.
Former President Umaro Sissoco Embaló's apparent removal came a day before authorities were due to announce election results.
The military has since suspended the electoral process and blocked the results' release, insisting it thwarted a plot to destabilize the politically unstable country.
Senegal's PM Ousmane Sonko and Nigeria's ex-leader Goodluck Jonathan demanded the presidential election results be released but did not provide evidence to support their claims that the coup was fabricated.
The ex-president arrived in Senegal on a chartered military flight following his release by the military forces who toppled his government.
Jonathan, who led a team of election observers from the West African Elders Forum, said the incident was not a coup, labeling it instead a ceremonial coup.
He specifically questioned why President Embaló was the first to announce his own overthrow, contrasting the situation with previous military takeovers in the region.
Meanwhile, Senegal's Sonko stated that what happened in Guinea-Bissau was a sham. Their statements coincide with opposition claims that the coup was staged, although no substantial evidence has been presented.
On Friday, Guinea-Bissau's transitional leader Gen Horta N'Tam appointed Ilidio Vieira Té as the new prime minister. The military's claims suggest they took control to block a plot supported by a drug baron poised to destabilize the country.
Civilians express mixed reactions; some praise the military, hoping for better living conditions, while others fear the chaos the coup brings. Observers and residents are calling for clarity regarding the election results, reflecting a broader concern for democratic processes amid persistent political turmoil in Guinea-Bissau.
