Brazzaville, Republic of Congo – November 29, 2025 – Former Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has arrived in the Republic of Congo, according to reports from AFP and the Associated Press, days after being ousted in a sudden military coup in his home country.

Embalo, who initially sought refuge in neighboring Senegal, is now in Brazzaville, confirmed Califa Soares Cassama, Embalo’s chief of staff. Unnamed government sources in Congo also verified his presence in the capital.

Background: Military Coup in Guinea-Bissau

The coup occurred on Wednesday, when a group of military officers declared that they had taken “full control” of Guinea-Bissau just days before the release of provisional presidential election results. The ousting of Embalo, who had been a key figure in West African politics, has drawn international condemnation and raised concerns about the country’s democratic stability.

The motives behind the coup remain unclear, with speculation circulating that some military leaders may have acted with Embalo’s tacit approval. Nonetheless, the sudden takeover has disrupted the electoral process, leaving the nation in political uncertainty.

Regional and International Reaction

Regional leaders and the United Nations have called on Guinea-Bissau’s military leaders to restore constitutional order and allow the electoral process to continue.

Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko criticized the coup as a “sham,” stating:

“We want the electoral process to continue. The [electoral] commission must be able to declare the winner.”

Transitional Government Closely Tied to Embalo

Several of the new military leaders are known allies of Embalo. General Horta Inta-A was named transitional president, while Ilidio Vieira Te, who previously served as Embalo’s finance minister, was appointed prime minister. On Saturday, Inta-A formed a 28-member transitional government, with most members aligned politically with Embalo.

Despite his ouster, Embalo retains influence through these appointments, reflecting the complex political dynamics in Guinea-Bissau following the coup.

Opposition Response and Political Tensions

Guinea-Bissau’s main opposition party, PAIGC, reported that its headquarters in Bissau had been “illegally invaded by heavily armed militia groups.” The party condemned the raid as an attack on stability, democracy, and the rule of law.

The opposition had been barred from fielding a presidential candidate in last week’s election, fueling criticism from civil rights organizations that accused the government of suppressing dissent. Both Embalo and his main challenger, Fernando Dias, had claimed victory ahead of the release of provisional results, which remain unannounced following the coup.

Political Implications and Regional Concerns

The coup has created uncertainty over Guinea-Bissau’s electoral process and governance. Analysts warn that the presence of Embalo-aligned figures in the transitional government could complicate efforts to restore democratic order. Meanwhile, regional and international bodies continue to push for a peaceful resolution that respects the rule of law and ensures a transparent electoral process.