As reported by The Straits Times (via Reuters, Oct 31, 2025) — Political tension in Guinea-Bissau has flared once again after several senior military officers were arrested for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government just weeks before national elections.
Arrests of Top Military Figures
According to the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Mamadou Kourouma, those detained include General Dahaba Na Walna, and Commanders Domingos Nhanke and Mario Midana. The arrests were carried out on Thursday (Oct 30) at their homes in the capital, Bissau.
Kourouma stated that the arrests came in response to “a new attempt to subvert the constitutional order” — an alleged coup plot unfolding on the eve of the November 23 legislative and presidential elections.
Background of Political Instability
Guinea-Bissau, a small West African nation, has faced chronic political unrest since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. Coups and military interventions have been a recurring theme in its history, with power often shifting violently between rival factions.
President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, who came to power in 2020, has already survived two previous coup attempts, the latest in December 2023. He has been locked in a bitter constitutional dispute with opposition leaders, who argue that his five-year term expired in February 2025. However, the Supreme Court of Justice ruled that his mandate legally runs until September 4.
Political Context Ahead of Elections
The arrests come as tensions mount ahead of November’s elections, where Embaló has announced plans to seek a second term, reversing his earlier pledge not to recontest. Analysts say the arrests reflect both genuine security concerns and deep political polarization within Guinea-Bissau’s armed forces and leadership.
A Nation at a Crossroads
This latest alleged coup underscores the fragile balance between military influence and democratic governance in Guinea-Bissau. With the election campaign approaching, international observers will be watching closely to see if the country can maintain stability amid rising political pressures.
Source: The Straits Times / Reuters, October 31, 2025
