Guinea-Bissau Military Appoints General Horta Nta as Head of New Government Amid Election Crisis

Guinea-Bissau Military Appoints General Horta Nta as Head of New Government Amid Election Crisis

Guinea-Bissau’s military high command on Thursday officially inaugurated General Horta Nta as the head of the country’s military government, solidifying a forceful takeover following the nation’s recent presidential election.

In a declaration broadcast on state television, the military announced that General Nta, formerly the army chief of staff and a close ally of deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, will oversee a one-year transitional period. The whereabouts of Embalo remain unknown.

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The opposition has claimed that Embalo staged the coup to avoid defeat in Sunday’s closely contested election. Guinea-Bissau, with a population of 2.2 million, has a long history of coups and attempted coups since gaining independence from Portugal over 50 years ago, including a failed attempt as recently as October.

Analysts note that the country’s role as a hub for drug trafficking between Latin America and Europe has exacerbated political instability. The recent takeover adds to a troubling regional trend, as West African democracies face increasing challenges from disputed elections and military interventions.

Guinea-Bissau Military Appoints General Horta Nta as Head of New Government Amid Election Crisis