Guinea-Bissau Arrests Senior Army Officers Over Alleged Coup Plot Ahead of Elections

Several senior Guinea-Bissau army officers, including General Dahaba Na Walna, were arrested for allegedly plotting a coup, Deputy Chief of Staff Mamadou Kourouma said. He called it an effort to undermine the constitutional order ahead of the November 23 elections. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who has faced two previous coup attempts, remains in dispute with the opposition over his term and plans to seek re-election.

A group of senior officers in Guinea-Bissau’s army have been taken into custody on accusations of plotting a coup, according to Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Mamadou Kourouma, who made the announcement on Friday. The arrests come amid growing political tensions in the small West African nation, where instability and power struggles have long been part of its political landscape. Since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, Guinea-Bissau has experienced numerous coups, attempted coups, and political assassinations, making it one of the most politically volatile countries in the region.

Kourouma stated that the detained officers include General Dahaba Na Walna, as well as Commanders Domingos Nhanke and Mario Midana. The arrests took place on Thursday at their homes in the capital city, Bissau. He explained that several other officers were also detained, though he did not provide a complete list of names. Attempts by Reuters to contact the arrested officers or their representatives for comment were unsuccessful, and the military has so far released limited information about the circumstances of the arrests or the alleged plot.

Speaking at a press conference, Kourouma described the incident as another effort to undermine Guinea-Bissau’s constitutional order, warning that such actions threaten the country’s fragile democratic process. “This is indeed a new attempt to subvert the constitutional order, on the eve of the start of the election campaign for the legislative and presidential elections on November 23,” he said, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the timing of the alleged coup attempt. His remarks underscore growing concerns that tensions within the military could once again destabilize the nation ahead of crucial elections.

President Umaro Sissoco Embaló has faced persistent challenges to his authority since taking office, including two previous coup attempts, the most recent of which occurred in December 2023. Embaló’s presidency has been marked by ongoing disputes with opposition parties and divisions within the armed forces. Relations between the president and the political opposition have become increasingly strained, particularly over the question of his constitutional mandate. The opposition insists that Embaló’s five-year term ended in February 2025, while the Supreme Court of Justice ruled that his tenure officially expires on September 4. This disagreement has deepened political uncertainty and fueled speculation about the possibility of further unrest.

In March, President Embaló announced that he would seek a second term in the upcoming November elections, reversing earlier promises to step down at the end of his current mandate. His decision has been met with mixed reactions, with supporters arguing that continuity is needed to ensure stability, while critics accuse him of clinging to power and undermining democratic norms. The political climate in Guinea-Bissau remains tense, as the country prepares for an election that could either solidify Embaló’s hold on power or open the door to renewed conflict.

The recent arrests highlight the ongoing fragility of Guinea-Bissau’s institutions and the persistent influence of the military in political affairs. Despite repeated pledges to uphold democracy and constitutional rule, the country continues to struggle with corruption, factionalism, and the legacy of decades of instability. The alleged coup attempt serves as a reminder of how fragile Guinea-Bissau’s political system remains, even after years of international efforts to strengthen governance and promote peace.

For many citizens, the latest developments evoke a sense of déjà vu, as the nation once again faces uncertainty just as it prepares for an important electoral cycle. The government’s next steps—whether through transparent legal proceedings or further detentions—will likely determine how the public and international community perceive its commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring lasting stability in Guinea-Bissau.