On Wednesday, November 26, Guinea-Bissau plunged into political turmoil as a group of army officers announced they had seized power, ousting President Umaro Sissoco Embaló.

The announcement came just a day before the expected release of results from a tightly contested presidential election. In a televised statement, military spokesperson Diniz N'Tchama declared the suspension of the electoral process, closure of all borders, and enforcement of a nighttime curfew.

Reports indicate that Embaló has been detained following gunfire in the capital, Bissau. The officers claim their actions aim to prevent a destabilization plot allegedly backed by a drug baron.

Logistics Impact

Bissau port operations have been fully suspended, halting all maritime activities.

Customs offices are not operating, which means clearance of goods is impossible.

Additionally, land, sea, and air borders have been sealed, effectively cutting off all cross-border movement. The nighttime curfew further restricts mobility within the country.

The sudden halt in trade and transport is expected to disrupt regional supply chains, particularly for West African routes dependent on Guinea-Bissau’s port facilities.

Shippers should anticipate delays and rerouting challenges until stability returns.