Attempted coups call for counter-force

Misgovernance tempts military to seize opportunities

- ADEOYE O. AKINOLA

IN QUICK succession between November 26 and December 7, Guinea-Bissau and Benin further reinforced the fear of ‘coup epidemic’ and the severe trials of democracy in Africa.

Guinea-Bissau, a country long marked by political instability, has endured at least nine coup attempts and successful takeovers since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974.

The most recent crisis tagged a ‘sham coup’ unfolded on November 26, when President Umaro Sissoco Embalé himself announced that a military takeover was under way. This occurred against the background of heightened political tension, particularly his fierce opposition with Fernando Dias da Costa in attaining electoral victory.

As the incident unfolded, soldiers stormed the headquarters of the electoral commission, destroying ballot boxes and further deepening public suspicion about the credibility of the process. The situation quickly attracted international attention.

Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, and former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who was part of the electoral mission to the country, joined others in suggesting that the episode may have been orchestrated by Embalo in an unusual power-transition deal.

Indeed, this alleged coup seemed more like a ‘civilian handover’ and not a ‘military takeover. African political elites never cease to astonish and perplex the world.

Meanwhile, the alleged coup plotters claimed their actions were intended to prevent Guinea-Bissau from descending into a major drug-trafficking hub, which has been a longstanding concern in the country’s political narrative.

In the aftermath, General Horta N’Tam was sworn in and promptly appointed 23 ministers and five secretaries of state to steer a one-year transitional government.

Public reaction, however, was sharply divided. Some citizens flooded the streets demanding the release of the disputed election results, while others, frustrated by deteriorating living condi-