In a stunning twist, presidential runner-up Fernando Dias has branded the ongoing military takeover a “self-coup” orchestrated by deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embaló to block an opposition win.
The Smoking Gun, According to Dias
- Dias says internal polling-station tallies prove he clearly won Sunday’s vote
- The military installed General Horta Nta Na Man – a known Embaló loyalist as transitional leader for one year
- Dias calls this “the final proof the coup is fake”
“I won the election. Why would I overthrow myself?” Dias asked in a widely shared video.
Where Is Embaló?
The president’s location is still unknown after he claimed soldiers detained him Wednesday. Opposition figures say his continued silence and the appointment of his ally fuel suspicions he is directing events from hiding.
Life Goes On
Despite calls for street protests, Bissau remained quiet Thursday. Shops reopened, buses ran, and markets buzzed another sign many citizens are exhausted by the country’s endless political musical chairs.
Guinea-Bissau has now seen five successful coups since 1974. This time, the opposition insists the script was written by the very man who claims to be the victim.
