Streets Deserted in Guinea‑Bissau Capital After Military Takeover!

Streets Deserted in Guinea‑Bissau Capital After Military Takeover!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

The streets of the capital city of Bissau, in Guinea-Bissau, were reported nearly deserted on Thursday following a military takeover that disrupted the country’s election process, prompting arrests and widespread uncertainty. [1]

“We have assumed full control to restore order and prevent further disorder,” declared officers on state television after detaining the incumbent president and suspending the electoral process. [2]

What Happened

• A group of army officers — calling themselves the High Military Command for the Restoration of Order — announced on Wednesday that they had seized power, citing the need to halt a disputed vote and alleged attempts to destabilise the country. [3]
• Gunfire was heard near key government buildings, including the presidential palace and the election commission — events that triggered panic among residents and the immediate establishment of military checkpoints.
• In addition to suspend­ing the electoral process, the military closed land‑, air‑, and sea‑borders, imposed a curfew, and shut down much of the media broadcast network. [2] Impact on Daily Life
• The sudden takeover led to heavy military presence across major roads and institutions, causing civilians to stay indoors, and public transport and businesses reportedly halted. Observers say the capital was effectively locked down by Thursday morning. [5]
• Residents described the empty streets as unprecedented for a capital city — underscoring both fear and uncertainty about the country’s political future. [6]

What to Watch

• Response from regional and international bodies, including calls for a return to constitutional order and release of detained political figures. [7]
• Potential humanitarian consequences if curfews, border closures, and information blackouts persist.
• Whether the military junta outlines a timetable for new elections or restoration of civilian rule.

Citations:

1. France 24: www.france24.com/en/live-news/20251127-streets-deserted-in-g-bissau-capital-after-military-takeover?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Al Jazeera: www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11/26/guinea-bissau-army-claims-total-control-after-gunshots-heard-in-capital?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Businessday NG: businessday.ng/africa/article/guinea-bissau-military-officers-seize-power-take-over-capital/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. Reuters: www.reuters.com/world/sustained-gunfire-near-guinea-bissau-election-commission-building-witnesses-say-2025-11-26/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
5. Barron’s: www.barrons.com/news/streets-deserted-in-g-bissau-capital-after-military-takeover-f330af28?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqen4gH2DxcHwBuplte8_2i9SUAZsQCjoS0d7Bd3AJQBKmG1cJ23bYJA&gaa_sig=DQKERYD9rVGg7mq02TdNPOEQqoIsQ99IZAHX7_PMyxJuieDwJ_veXIy9VY4V-86NXU-hjRowWLj6SCnoUMu7aQ%3D%3D&gaa_ts=69283495&utm_source=chatgpt.com
6. Yahoo: www.yahoo.com/news/articles/streets-deserted-g-bissau-capital-094741625.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
7. Reuters: www.reuters.com/world/africa/west-africa-bloc-african-union-observers-voice-concern-over-guinea-bissau-coup-2025-11-26/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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