The military in Guinea-Bissau has appointed General Horta N’Tam as the country’s transitional leader following a coup that disrupted the nation’s electoral process. The move places the military in charge for a one-year transitional period amid political uncertainty.
On November 26, 2025, military officers announced that they had seized full control of Guinea-Bissau, citing irregularities in the country’s closely contested presidential election. Borders were closed, a curfew was imposed, and key government institutions came under military control.
The following day, General Horta N’Tam, the former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, was sworn in as head of the “High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order.” In his brief address, he stated, “I have just been sworn in to lead the High Command,” signaling the start of a one-year transitional regime.
The military claimed the takeover was necessary to restore order after a disputed election, in which both leading candidates claimed victory. Officers accused the outgoing government of colluding with illicit networks to manipulate results and destabilize national security. The suspension of elections and imposition of military control aim to prevent further chaos.
In Bissau, the capital, streets were patrolled heavily by soldiers while residents stayed indoors amid uncertainty. Banks and businesses remained closed as citizens adjusted to the sudden change in governance.
Internationally, the African Union (AU) and ECOWAS condemned the coup and called for the immediate restoration of constitutional order, urging the military to release detained officials and resume the electoral process.
Under the new arrangement, the military has pledged to govern for one year, reorganize state institutions, and prepare for a fresh transition. While the junta promises stability, questions remain about the country’s democratic future and the legitimacy of its institutions.
Guinea-Bissau now enters a period of heightened uncertainty, with General Horta N’Tam at the helm of a military-led transitional government, as both citizens and the international community watch developments closely.
