Unrest in Guinea-Bissau: President Arrested Amid Gunfire

Thu Nov 27 2025 07:42:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has been arrested following reports of gunfire near the presidential palace, stirring unrest in the nation just three days after a contentious election.

President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau has been arrested amid a chaotic scene involving gunfire near the presidential palace. The unrest comes shortly after a disputed election, and eyewitnesses reported mass flight as locals sought safety. This is not the first time Embaló has faced attempts to oust him during his tenure.

Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has been arrested by armed men, government sources have confirmed. The arrest came after gunfire erupted near the presidential palace in the capital, Bissau, around 13:00 GMT.

According to eyewitnesses, the sound of gunshots sent hundreds of people fleeing for safety, admitting that the situation was tense.

This incident follows closely on the heels of a presidential election where the main opposition candidate was disqualified, creating a volatile political atmosphere. Both Embaló and his closest rival, Fernando Dias, have claimed victory in the disputed election.

Guinea-Bissau, home to nearly two million people, has a troubled history, having experienced nine coups or attempted coups since 1980, and Embaló's presidency has already faced two coup attempts, the most recent in December 2023.

This is a breaking news story - further updates will follow.