Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embaló said on November 26 that a coup was underway in the country, telling Jeune Afrique he had been detained by soldiers at the presidential palace in Bissau. He alleged that the armed forces’ chief of staff was behind the operation and intended to overturn the outcome of the November 23 presidential election.

According to Jeune Afrique, Embaló made direct contact with the outlet to confirm that he had been held in his office at around 13:00 GMT. The presidency has not issued an official statement, and no confirmation has been released by the military.

Gunfire was reported near the presidential palace shortly after the president’s account became public. Social-media footage suggested sustained shooting from 13:25 GMT, though communications from the capital remained inconsistent. Local journalists said access to the government quarter was restricted.

Reuters reported, citing eyewitnesses, that gunfire also broke out near the headquarters of the national election commission, located about one kilometre from the palace. The commission is currently compiling the results of the presidential and parliamentary elections held on November 23.

The first official results are expected on November 28. Twelve candidates contested the vote, including Embaló. Earlier in the day, opposition candidate Fernando Dias da Costa publicly claimed victory, saying early tallies placed him ahead. The electoral authority has not yet validated any figures.

Regional observers had previously warned of heightened tensions around the vote, citing allegations of irregularities and political rivalries within the security establishment. ECOWAS issued a pre-election statement urging all parties to avoid military interference and to resolve disputes through legal channels.

Past coup attempts — including the 2022 attack on the government compound — have raised concerns about stability in Guinea-Bissau, where political power struggles have frequently involved segments of the military.