The ousted president of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, has arrived in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo, days after he was removed from office by the military, Congolese government sources confirmed on Saturday.
According to sources who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity, Embalo arrived in the Congolese capital late in the morning aboard a private jet. A separate source at the Congolese presidency said the former leader, who had earlier claimed victory in Guinea-Bissau’s disputed election, intends to remain in the country for the time being.
The political crisis in the Portuguese-speaking West African nation deepened on Wednesday when the military seized power a day before the provisional results of the national election were scheduled to be announced. Following the takeover, Embalo initially fled to neighbouring Senegal before relocating to Congo Brazzaville.
Meanwhile, tension remains high in the capital city of Bissau. Guinea-Bissau’s leading opposition party reported that its headquarters was invaded by what it described as a heavily armed militia shortly after the coup. The incident has further heightened fears of political repression and instability in the country.
The motives behind the coup remain unclear, as speculation continues to trail the sudden military intervention. Some unverified claims have even suggested that the overthrow may have been carried out with Embalo’s consent.
Embalo, 53, is believed to maintain close ties with Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso and has visited the Republic of Congo several times in the past. Congo Brazzaville has historically played diplomatic roles in regional political crises.
