A military coup is reportedly underway in Guinea-Bissau, following confirmed reports of heavy günshots and intense fighting around the Presidential Palace in Bissau on Thursday.
According to local media and eyewitness accounts, armed soldiers exchanged fire near key government buildings, forcing civilians to flee the area for safety. The situation remains fluid, with conflicting reports on whether President Umaro Sissoco Embaló is safe or still inside the palace.
Guinea-Bissau, a West African nation with a long history of coups and political instability, last survived an attempted mutiny in 2022. Regional observers fear that this fresh unrest could plunge the country into another prolonged crisis.
Authorities and ECOWAS have not yet issued an official statement as tensions continue to escalate.