The military junta in Guinea-Bissau is moving swiftly to consolidate its authority, appointing a new prime minister on Friday amidst a wave of international condemnation for this week's seizure of power.
This latest coup, the fifth to destabilize the West African nation in 45 years, saw the armed forces seize total control on Wednesday, just a day before provisional results from the national elections were scheduled for release.
President Umaro Sissoco Embalo was forced to flee, finding refuge in neighbouring Senegal as the soldiers took charge.
Junta Consolidates Power with Key Appointment
In a significant development, the new military leader, General Horta N'Tam, named Ilidio Vieira Te as the country's prime minister. Te previously served as the finance minister in the ousted government of President Embalo.
General N'Tam, who has been handed the reins to govern the volatile country for a one-year transitional period, is widely considered an ally of the deposed president.
During a brief swearing-in ceremony, N'Tam told the new PM that the people of Guinea-Bissau have high expectations and expressed his hope that the junta and the new administration would continue to work hand-in-hand.
International Community Unites in Condemnation
Reactions from abroad have been swift and severe. The African Union (AU) suspended Guinea-Bissau with immediate effect on Friday.
This decisive action came shortly after the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) froze the country out of all its decision-making bodies.
Global leaders have also voiced their strong disapproval. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the military's action as an unacceptable violation of democratic principles.
The European Union joined the chorus, urging a swift return to constitutional order and the resumption of the interrupted electoral process.
Unclear Motives and Suspicions of a Setup
The true reasons behind the power grab remain shrouded in mystery. However, several theories have emerged from regional leaders and analysts.
In Dakar, Senegalese President Ousmane Sonko labelled the coup a scam, suggesting it was a pre-arranged affair. He urged for the electoral process to be completed, allowing the commission to announce the true winner.
This sentiment was echoed by opposition candidate Fernando Dias da Costa, who believes he defeated Embalo in Sunday's presidential vote. He has accused Embalo of orchestrating the coup to prevent a peaceful transfer of power.
One West African analyst, speaking anonymously, suggested the coup could be an ideal scenario for Mr Embalo, potentially allowing him to reposition himself for future elections.
Other experts point to a different, more sinister factor: a high-level turf war to control the country's extensive illegal drug smuggling networks.
General Denis N'Canha, head of the presidential military office, hinted at this, stating a plan involving drug lords and the introduction of weapons to disrupt the constitutional order had been uncovered.
Guinea-Bissau's crippling poverty and political instability have long made it a fertile ground for corruption and a key transit point for Latin American cocaine bound for Europe, earning it the infamous label of a narco-state.
Meanwhile, in the capital Bissau, life is slowly returning to normal. Vehicles are back on the streets, borders have been ordered to reopen, and markets are starting to function again.
As one street vendor poignantly told AFP, I resumed my work because if I stay home, I will have nothing to eat, highlighting the daily struggle of ordinary citizens caught in the cycle of political turmoil.
