Lightning coup erupts in West African nations, military overthrows pro-Western leader within 12 hours

November 27 report: Guinea-Bissau suddenly experienced a lightning coup.

The capital Bissau heard a series of gunshots in the early morning, and the military quickly occupied the TV station, traffic arteries, and major barracks. Within less than 12 hours, they announced full control of the country.

Current President Embalo said in an interview that he was under house arrest in the presidential palace. The coup was led by the Chief of Army Staff, and the election process was directly halted by the military.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) called for restoring constitutional order, but the coup forces seem to have taken the initiative, and the situation has entered a temporary phase dominated by the military.

The coup was completed within 12 hours, which is closely related to the fragile political structure of Guinea-Bissau over the long term.

This small country is one of the most typical regions for coups in West Africa. The military has complex factions inside, and political power has long relied on the military for stability.

Embalo has had long-term tense relations with the general staff. His governance reforms weakened the interests of the military, causing tensions to escalate rapidly against the backdrop of election disputes.

The coup forces launched the action citing the lack of transparency in the elections, quickly seizing key nodes without encountering substantial resistance, showing a typical model of zero-resistance takeover.

In the past three years, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea have all experienced coups, and Guinea-Bissau has become the latest link, indicating that the coup wave in West Africa is still intensifying.

Military takeovers are often justified under the name of anti-corruption and national reconstruction, but in reality, most of them enter a long-term military rule stage, further deteriorating regional governance capabilities.

Embalo is seen as a pro-Western leader close to the Portuguese-speaking countries group. His rapid overthrow also reveals the structural dilemma of weak civilian governments and strong militaries in West Africa.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1849914780548227/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.