Guinea-Bissau Military Appoints New Prime Minister Amid Political Turmoil

In the wake of a military coup in Guinea-Bissau, General Horta Inta-A, the country's new military leader, has appointed Ilídio Vieira Té as prime minister. Vieira Té, who previously served as finance minister, is a close ally of deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embaló.

The coup occurred on November 26, 2025, just days after a closely contested presidential election. Both Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias da Costa had declared victory prior to the official announcement of results. The military, citing concerns over electoral manipulation, seized power and suspended the electoral process.

International bodies have condemned the military's actions. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) suspended Guinea-Bissau from its decision-making bodies and called for the immediate restoration of constitutional order. ECOWAS also announced plans to send a mediation team to engage with the coup leaders. Similarly, the African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, unequivocally condemned the coup and demanded the immediate release of detained officials, including President Embaló.

In response to the coup, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko described the military takeover as a "scheme" and called for the release of arrested opposition members. He emphasized the need for the democratic process to be carried through to its conclusion.

Guinea-Bissau has a history of political instability, with multiple coups and attempted coups since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. The country is also known as a hub for drug trafficking between Latin America and Europe, a factor that experts say has contributed to its political crises.