Bissau, Guinea-Bissau — General Horta Nta Na Man has been sworn in as the transitional president of Guinea-Bissau, one day after the country’s military deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embalo in the latest of the West African nation’s frequent coups. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the military headquarters in Bissau, with dozens of heavily armed soldiers present.

“I have just been sworn in to lead the High Command,” General Nta Na Man declared during the ceremony, AFP journalists reported.

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Background: The Coup and Political Turmoil

The coup occurred on Wednesday, just one day before provisional election results were expected from the tightly contested presidential race between Embalo and challenger Fernando Dias, a 47-year-old political newcomer. Both candidates had previously declared victory, heightening tensions in the country.

The military, identifying itself as the High Military Command for the Restoration of Order, justified the takeover by claiming that “necessary measures are urgent and important and require everyone’s participation.” Nta Na Man, previously chief of staff of the Guinea-Bissau army and considered close to Embalo in recent years, stated that the evidence was “sufficient to justify the operation.”

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International Reaction

The African Union (AU) Commission condemned the coup and called for the immediate and unconditional release of President Embalo and all detained officials. The political upheaval has drawn concern from international observers due to Guinea-Bissau’s history of political instability and its status as a hub for illicit cocaine trafficking in West Africa.

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Security Situation in Bissau

On Thursday, the capital city of Bissau remained mostly calm, though soldiers maintained a visible presence on the streets. Many residents stayed indoors, and businesses and banks remained closed following the overnight curfew. Gunfire had been reported near key government buildings, including the election commission, the presidential palace, and the Ministry of the Interior, at the time of the takeover.

President Embalo confirmed his deposition in a phone interview with France24, saying he was “currently at the general staff headquarters,” though his exact location remained unknown.

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Implications for Guinea-Bissau’s Elections

The announcement of Nta Na Man as transitional leader raises questions about the future of the nation’s political process. Al Jazeera correspondent Nicolas Haque, reporting from Senegal, noted that while an election might eventually occur, it is unlikely to take place in the immediate future.

Haque also highlighted the importance of the military’s backing, noting that Nta Na Man was surrounded by the top brass of the armed forces during his swearing-in ceremony. The military’s support is critical in Guinea-Bissau, a country with a long history of coups and political instability.

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Key Facts

• Country: Guinea-Bissau
• New Leader: General Horta Nta Na Man (Transitional President)
• Deposed Leader: President Umaro Sissoco Embalo
• Election Context: Provisional results pending for a tight presidential race
• Military Role: High Military Command claims responsibility for coup
• International Response: African Union condemns coup, calls for release of Embalo
• Security Situation: Soldiers deployed, curfews imposed, businesses closed