Guinea-Bissau’s ruling junta has announced that the military officer who led the recent coup attempt has been officially barred from contesting in the country’s upcoming presidential election.
According to a statement released by the junta leadership on Wednesday, the coup leader is disqualified from participating in national politics due to his role in attempting to overthrow the government, an act they described as a “grave assault on the constitutional order.”
The junta stated that individuals involved in destabilizing the state cannot be entrusted with political power, emphasizing that national security and constitutional stability take priority over personal political ambitions.
This decision has further heightened political tension in Guinea-Bissau, a nation that has witnessed recurring coups, failed mutinies, and power struggles over the past two decades. Observers say the ban could spark legal battles and political protests, especially among factions sympathetic to the detained officer.
Regional bodies, including ECOWAS, are closely monitoring developments as fears grow that Guinea-Bissau may be sliding deeper into political uncertainty following the latest coup attempt.