Just one day after slamming every exit shut, Guinea-Bissau’s new military rulers have ordered all land, sea and air borders reopened.
General Lansana Mansali, Armed Forces Inspector General, announced the reversal Thursday morning, signalling an early attempt to ease tensions after the lightning takeover.
What Happened Wednesday
- Soldiers stormed key sites amid gunfire near the presidential palace
- The junta declared full control and suspended parliament and the constitution
- General Denis N’Canha went on television to say the army had stepped in to “protect national stability”
President Embaló Detained
Security sources confirm President Umaro Sissoco Embaló is being held in a military compound along with his chief of staff and the Interior Minister.
Why the Coup?
Military leaders accuse “drug barons” and hidden armed groups of plotting to hijack Sunday’s election results. Both Embaló and challenger Fernando Dias had already claimed victory before votes were fully counted.
New Normal Under the Junta
- Borders: now open
- Election process: frozen
- All media: still off air
- Night curfew: in force
Another chapter in Guinea-Bissau’s long history of coups and drug-route politics begins this time with the gates open, but the country firmly under military rule.
