Gunfire Erupts in Guinea-Bissau as President Umaro Sissoco Embaló is Arrested

Wed Nov 26 2025 18:21:08 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A dramatic incident in Guinea-Bissau leads to the arrest of President Umaro Sissoco Embaló amidst reports of gunfire near the presidential palace, following recent presidential elections.

In Guinea-Bissau's capital, Bissau, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has been arrested by armed assailants after gunfire was reported near the presidential palace. The unrest comes just days after a contentious presidential election, where allegations of disqualification against the main opposition candidate have raised tensions. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots around 13:00 GMT, prompting public panic and a rush for safety. This incident adds to the history of political instability in Guinea-Bissau, which has witnessed numerous coup attempts since 1980.

Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has been arrested by armed men, government sources have told the BBC, after gunfire was heard near the presidential palace.

Witnesses in the capital, Bissau, heard gunshots at around 13:00 GMT but it was not immediately clear who was involved in the shooting.

The reports come three days after a presidential election in which the main opposition candidate was disqualified.

The results were expected on Thursday - both Embaló and his closest rival Fernando Dias have claimed victory.

Hundreds of people on foot and in vehicles fled, seeking shelter as the shots rang out, the AFP news agency reported.

Guinea-Bissau, with a population of just under two million people, is one of the poorest countries in the world. The former Portuguese colony has seen nine coups or attempted coups since 1980.

There have been two attempts to overthrow Embalo, the latest in December 2023.

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