Guinea-Bissau's junta leader, General Horta N’Tam, has travelled to Chad for his first foreign trip since taking power more than eight months ago, amid the country's diplomatic isolation following last year's military coup.

N’Tam travelled to Chad on Monday to attend celebrations marking the country's 66th independence anniversary. The Chadian presidency said he was invited by President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno to attend the military parade.

The visit comes as Guinea-Bissau prepares for presidential and legislative elections scheduled for December 6, 2026, which are expected to pave the way for a return to civilian rule.

Observers believe the trip could help the junta strengthen its legitimacy and improve diplomatic relations, following the suspension of Guinea-Bissau by the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union after the coup.

Several countries, including neighbouring Senegal and Guinea, have also frozen relations with Bissau since the military takeover.

The military seized power in November 2025, removing President Umaro Sissoco Embalo a day before provisional results of the country's elections were due to be announced. N’Tam, a close associate of Embalo, was subsequently appointed transitional leader.

Guinea-Bissau will also hold a constitutional referendum on August 30 on proposed changes that would grant greater powers to the presidency. However, the transitional charter currently prevents N’Tam from contesting the December elections.

The visit also follows stronger ties between Chad and Guinea-Bissau after President Deby visited Bissau in May 2025, when the two countries signed several sectoral agreements.

A Senegalese delegation appointed by ECOWAS has meanwhile begun mediation efforts aimed at stabilising Guinea-Bissau's political transition and restoring constitutional order.