Embaló Flees to Senegal After Military Coup in Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau has entered a new and difficult political period after a sudden military coup removed President Umaro Sissoco Embaló from power. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Senegal, the former leader fled to Senegal after being taken from his office during the takeover. The update was released on Thursday night, November 27, 2025, as regional leaders continued to discuss the growing crisis.
The West African political bloc ECOWAS, known for mediating conflicts in the region, held an emergency meeting to examine the situation in Guinea-Bissau. According to Senegal’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, ECOWAS asked the military group controlling the country to release Embaló and other detained officials. The bloc also encouraged the reopening of Guinea-Bissau’s borders, which had been closed following the unrest.
For more background on ECOWAS, readers can visit the organization’s website: ecowas.int
How Embaló Was Removed From Office
The events unfolded on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Embaló was reportedly arrested inside his own office during a coup led by Brig. Gen. Denis N’Canha, the head of the army’s ground forces. After the arrest, N’Canha appeared on the national broadcaster, announcing that a new military council would temporarily lead the country.
The following day, November 27, Gen. N’Tam officially took an oath to guide the Supreme Military Council. Under this new arrangement, the council will run the government for one year as they prepare new leadership. This marks a major shift for Guinea-Bissau, a country that has experienced many political disruptions in recent decades.
For readers following regional political changes, you may also be interested in Rwanda’s recent security updates on
Regional and International Reactions
The military takeover immediately drew strong criticism from regional and international organizations. Several groups released statements condemning the coup and calling for a return to civilian rule. However, these calls did not stop the military council from taking full control.
ECOWAS, the African Union, and other partners have asked for calm, urging all sides to avoid violence and allow peaceful dialogue. The African Union’s general position on coups can be found on their website: au.int
Despite these appeals, Embaló’s removal has already changed the political atmosphere inside Guinea-Bissau. The country remains tense as residents wait to see how the next steps will unfold.
Embaló Flees the Country With Senegal’s Support
Senegal’s Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed that Embaló was transported to Senegal using a plane provided by the Senegalese government. This support signals how seriously neighboring countries are treating the situation. Senegal, which shares close ties with Guinea-Bissau, has taken a central role in discussions on how to stabilize the region.
The ministry’s statement did not clarify whether Embaló will remain in Senegal for long or move to another country later. For now, he is outside Guinea-Bissau and under protection.
The Path Ahead for Guinea-Bissau
The future remains uncertain. The military council says it will run the government for one year, but regional leaders fear more instability if there is no clear timeline for restoring civilian leadership. ECOWAS is expected to continue dialogue with the military leadership to find a peaceful long-term solution.
Citizens of Guinea-Bissau, already used to political struggles, now wait to see whether this latest change will bring peace or more tension. Much depends on how fast the military council engages with regional leaders and how soon a civilian government can be restored.
