The president of Guinea-Bissau and his government were targeted by a coup attempt yesterday February 1. In the evening of the same day, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo (pictured) appeared safe and sound during a press conference to indicate that the situation is now under control.

"The situation is under control," he said, confirming that it was indeed an attempted coup. According to him, the coup leaders wanted to kill him and the entire cabinet. Umaro Sissoco Embalo did not explicitly name anyone responsible for the coup attempt. However, he indicated it was linked to "decisions taken, particularly concerning the fight against drug trafficking and corruption.” As soon as he came to power, the former general announced his ambition to put an end to corruption and drug trafficking in his country, which is considered to be a hub for this trade.     

Let’s note that despite the return to calm, the situation in Guinea Bissau continues to worry many observers, because of the context in which it occurs. Three West African countries (Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso) have already been victims of coups since 2020. These events reflect the instability in the region, amid the fight against terrorism, the pandemic, and other socio-economic challenges.

Umaro Sissoco Embalo says some people linked to the attempt have already been arrested and the investigation is ongoing.

Moutiou Adjibi Nourou